Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Sunday last, I drove my 2106 to Anchorage for a show. About 40 miles each way. The weather was hot by our standards, about 85. Brakes were trouble free until I was almost home. At the first stop after I exited the highway, I let out the clutch and it felt like all four brakes were locked up. After a couple of tries, they let go and I made it the last few miles without incident. Any ideas on what might be going on here?
Thanks,
Mark

Maybe the overdrive stuck. If the brakes were sticking you should smell the heated linings.

Might be something to do with the OD but check and eliminate if possible the simple stuff first. First I'd check to make sure the brake pedal returns to the FULL upright position without hesitation each and every time, and when in that position, make sure you have the prescribed amount of brake pedal free play, or at least some free play.

Reason - if the pedal either has no free play or does not fully return then the compensator port is left closed and any heat will expand the brake fluid; not being able to return to the master reservoir it will force the shoes outward. Jiggling the pedal may allow it to uncover the compensator port.

Thanks Dave,
That's a great explanation. I'll go over the pedal linkage, etc. I disassembled all that stuff during restoration.
Mark