Re: 505 SW rear brakes

Senen Racki (sracki@dowsv01.tor.ec.gc.ca)
Mon, 24 Jun 1996 12:15:44 -0500

> Hello again,
> Still trying to work out the problem with my rear brakes(thought I fixed it!).
> It's a 505 wagon, 5 speed Gas engine etc.
> When I back up, and hit the brakes, both rear brakes lock up, then release
> when I go forward. I've inspected the brakes, shoes springs etc, everything
> looks right.
> I'm wondering if somehow the rear axle is moving enough to tug on the
> emergency brake cable when I back up? Sound familiar to anyone?
> Thanks
> Larry James
>

I don't have an answer for WHY but I had the same problem with my 504
wagon. I fixed it by adjusting the shoes to not be so close to the
drum. I know that doesn't explain what the problem is but it did
help. The only time the problem resurfaced was when the car sat for
a long enough time and a light coating of rust covered the drum
surface.

I don't have the wagon anymore but I suspect it could have something
to do with the load leveling hydraulic compensator. It is supposed
to keep a correct proportion of braking power between front/back even
during heavy loading by way of a lever hooked to the rear suspension.
When travelling in reverse the rear raises quite a bit and thus
maybe that little hydraulic gadget is kicking in incorrectly. This
is just a guess, of course....

Senen.