Willys jeep brakes

Dear Friend


Brakes on these old machines are always problematic UNLESS corrective actions are taken in detail (only one time expense) . It starts off with :


1- master Cylinder . It should be working . Vac drum should be operative . Double seals in the cylinder should all be not leaking . ( kabari master cylinder assy cost around 2 k ) . Vaccum line from generator should be checked for leak / vaccuum .


2- Brake Piping / distributor : Never allow a leak . check for correct / adequate distribution of hyd pressure to front / rear brakes .


3- Bleed off valves : If the above is ok , then try to bleed all wheels . Air in lining makes braking "spongy / loose"


4- Now come to the complex part . these old brakes should be checked as follows :


a- Wheel drum should be checked for roundness , wall thichness and braking surface .( never replace with local manufactured drums available in market ) . GO to kabaar if requiring replacement .


b- Wheel cylinders should be checked for operation . Sometimes they dont leak but the piston is struck on one end and it causes uneven pushing of brake lining .


c- Brake shoes : Mostly they are refurbished with installation of local lining . ( Once at a shop I was asked to select the lining that needs to be installed and believe me all these asbestos brake lining seemed similar) . Material of brake lininig should be of required thickness and the material should NOT be hard . Relatively softer asbestos lining is better . Choose a care ful brake lining guy who knows his stuff and will advise you accordingly .


d- Adjustment : A sensible mechanic will usually do it right . For these type of machines , very minor touching of lining is not criminal cause there are some ovalities in the drum . But then it is your call based on the condition of your brake / wheel assembly.This touching normally stops within a week usually . But care has to be given on the spring strength , idle poistion adjustment during the above . DONT use "wagnor" brake fluid as these are more often fakes that are now availble.


There is no alternate to a brake disc mechanism , but if you have 2to 5 k in your pocket, and you go to a right mechanic , then these older brake shoes system can normally be fixed . Always remember that these older systems also need cleaning after a fixed interval which depends on your usage .


Hope u get some idea of what is involved here