1974 FJ40 Brake Pull left and drivers side won't stay adjusted.

[KWA]

Bringing my old post back from the dead with same problem.

I used coolerman's instructions to rebuild all of the brake cylinders. Most where stuck and needed to be rebuild. I put the mismatched brake cylinders in their proper spots. I followed the diagram for shoe spring placement. I had to change the right rear brake line and one of the front left brake lines. I kept the brake pads and ran the FJ like that. It didn't pull to the left any more and I used it occasionally as I sorted other issues.

However, recently the left side/passenger side started to lock up. I thought the problem was that one of the left side/passengers brake cylinders (the front cylinder) wouldn't release its brake fluid even after releasing the brake pedal. Drum would stay tight on the shoes and you couldn't get it off. It would only release when you let some fluid out of the bleeder valve. I took it apart and rebuilt it again. It was a little dirty. Put it back and same thing. You would drive it and it would pull to the left, smell smoke, left/passenger side drums hot and would not release from the shoes. I figured the cylinder wasn't good and bought a set of new front cylinders from cruiser corps. Installed them and same thing. I have a new master cylinder so that shouldn't be an issue. Only thing I can think of is maybe the rubber lines are old and not allowing the fluid to flow back out of the cylinder?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Look at the rubber hose to that wheel cylinder. They go bad on the inside and act like a check valve - not releasing pressure. Did you "use real red rubber grease" inside on the seals of the wheel cylinders.

I'm fixing to change all my rubber brake lines and I might even do the steel ones too.

 

[pb4ugo]

I could be the rubber lines. It could also be the rod between the master cylinder and power brake booster is not adjusted properly. If it is too long it will put pressure against the m/c piston, so it won't completely release. I would 1st look at the offending brakes rubber line, becuase the others seem to be working properly.

 

[KWA]

I did use red grease

Any suggestions on were to buy these rubber hoses?

 

[charliemeyer007]

There is "real red rubber grease" and other red grease that will swell the seals.
Brake Line & Hose - https://www.fjparts.com/lines-hoses-c-23_415.html
There is a vendor list up top. Price check and be sure to look at shipping.

 

[pb4ugo]

You might try cruiser outfitters/cruiserteq, city racer, cruiser bros. and others. If you can track down the part #'s you might see if your local Toyota dealer is competitive.

 

[KWA]

I'll check out the grease and look at the vendors

Thank you

 

[KWA]

I'll check out the grease and look at the vendors

Thank you

Just an update.
Changed the passenger side brake line. Still locked and pulled to one side.
Changed the drivers side brake line. Still locked and pulled to one side.
Changed the middle brake line. (autozone)
Works good now. No pulling when braking

Thank you everyone