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

I'm not sure that this is a uniquely Packard problem, but I've never had it happen before & this group has proven its metal before:

The brakes on my 2362 had been working well until about a month ago when it started pulling hard to the left. I noticed on loose gravel that the left front wheel was locking up. Most online searches bring answers geared to disc setups but generally folks say it's either a bad wheel cylinder (sticking) or hose (collapsing). Made sense to me, so I called up Max Merritt and ordered a pair of both. I decided to start with the left: no change. Today I did the right; again, no change, better or worse. Well, it wasn't all in vain: the hoses were starting to crack & the cylinders had plenty of age as well. So, what next?

The previous owner installed a new master cylinder; steel lines were not changed. Nothing looked out of order when I pulled the drums. The shoes aren't new but not down to the rivets, either. When jacked up both sides were adjusted to spin free with no brakes applied; this afternoon I had my wife apply the brakes while the right front was in the air and they sure seemed to be doing their job.

Steer me straight, fellas!

It could be collapsing hoses or even a leaky cylinder getting fluid on the shoes and maybe both. Either way it should be a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.

Collapsed hoses caused my 1985 Plymouth Voyager's nearly new (mileage-wise) brakes to virtually burn up (blued front rotors and rear drums) so brings to the forefront the need to flush brakes annually. It makes no difference how often the vehicle is driven either but replacing all rubber components (and the brake light switch), thoroughly flushing, then using synthetic fluid will greatly prolong life and minimize rubber deteriorization.

With the braking system thoroughly checked and no problem found, I would next check the kingpins. The 1937 120 I owned developed a pretty severe pull when braking that was usually to the left, just sometimes to the right. It turned out to be worn kingpins.