Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Having never done a full brake job on one of these car (55 Patrician)--what should I expect as far as a total cost and time? I think I could it myself as I do our everyday driver vehicles brakes. Is it something I should have done or fairly easy DIY?

Depends on what you mean by a "full brake job", as well as your level of competence with drum brakes. Do you have a rear hub puller? Are you able to reline shoes?

As for cost, check prices with your favorite Packard parts vendor.

As for time, take a look at the 1955-1956 Flat Rate Manual - one of several that I loaned to BigKev to scan, exclusively, for this site's archive. Keep in mind that those labor times were arrived at by the factory with the notion that the problem was fully diagnosed and all tools and parts needed to perform the job were right at hand for use by a fully-trained mechanic (with the additional goal of "controlling" the expense of dealer reimbusment).

Assuming you have all the parts and tools, a complete brake job could be done in an afternoon.

But, if you are going service the rear drums, plan also on repacking the rear axle bearings, as that is the most convenient time to do it. Add a couple of extra hours for that since the backing plates have to be pulled removed for that.

Add to your time and expense replacing steel brake lines if they are still the originals. Probably a good time to replace brake hoses and wheel cylinders too. A good brake and clutch shop should be able to reline your shoes if you don't want to get a relined set from K's or MM's. Do all that is necessary as long as you are there, then enjoy your Packard that will stop safely. Mission creep.

(o{}o)

Replace or rebuild everything in the brake system if it has an unknown service history.

This is a "single" master cylinder, so if you break a line, or blow a hose, you go from having brakes, to no brakes at all. Also make sure your parking brake is working and adjusted correctly, as that is your only backup plan in the event of unexpected brake failure.