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

Please forgive me if this has been covered before, but I've perused the forum a bit and haven't found anything. On my 1951 200, the brakes are pulling to the right quite a bit. It just started a few months ago, with no changes by me. Less than two years ago, I put in new wheel cylinders, new master cylinder, new lines, and new shoes. I have tried adjusting the brakes on each wheel numerous times with no results. Not sure where to go next. Anyone have any suggestions?

Adjustment a very unlikely culprit as hydraulic pressure and hence the force of the shoes against the drum would be equal at both wheels, assuming no hydraulic faults. Leaking grease seal or something that has altered the friction surfaces is more likely. Why not just pull the drum and see what's to be seen?

If a check of the brakes as O_D very wisely suggests shows nothing amiss inside the brake drums, the next thing to check are the kingpins. Worn pins can manifest as a pull when braking.

Another possible culprit is an internally-collapsed brake hose. In your post you mention new lines, and I'm assuming the hoses were also replaced so this could be unlikely. But if everything else checks out OK then they should be checked. Good luck with this and please let us know what you find.

Most likely a bad brake hose.

Thanks guys for the input. At least now I have some things to check. I'll let you know what I find out.

Checkoutpackardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL22NO13.pdf
I'm attaching a bit from the bulletin so you know you have the right article. But the first thing is to pull the hubs off and look as to what is causing the problem, I would guess dirty (wet) brake shoes.
Wes

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Also, check front tire pressure, then switch the front tires to eliminate tire/wheel issues. Hope this helps

it's possible that on the side that pulls, that the primary and secondary shoes are installed incorrectly by reversing their positions.. I had that problem some years ago and that was the culprit.