62 brakes question

[Gutterpunk]

I need some new rear brakes (something is sticking, squeels, got hot and has worn out.) Even with the service manual, I don't think I know enough about brakes.

My local shop is quoting me $540. Shoes, wheel cylinders, and lower brake lines. The parts on that by my calculations come to about $250 from SOR. So that's about 4 hours of labor.

Do those numbers make sense to folks? Is this something I should take a stab at myself, or am I just asking for trouble?

 

[tonkota]

rear brakes are a PITA, but doable.

One thing to note is that the bell cranks sound like they are rusty. That's why your ebrake was sticking. You'll need to repair them, the dealer will want to replace them.

And you may or may not need wheel cylinders and brake lines, depends on how honest the dealer is going to be with you.

Call Cruiser Dan for Toyota parts, he'll save you money. Or get some local from NAPA etc. Raybestos makes good brakes. Or have your shoes relined for little money locally.

 

[Gutterpunk]

Thanks. It's a pretty reputable shop. I've never had problems with them.

They said the lower brake lines were rusted and should be replaced (and the probably cause of the brakes not releasing probably I think). It's not the ebrake that is sticking--they didn't say anything about the bell cranks.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

The rear drum brakes are very easy to work on. I would buy all the parts from TOyota, as they are all still available. You will be suprised how reasonable the wheel cylinders are. I don't really see any reason not to replace them. Do it once and forget it for the rest of the time you own the vehicle.

Toyota also still has the hard lines available, and all the little springs, keepers and pins you need to do it right.

Your bellcranks will likely be rusted. I replaced all of that stuff as well to get a working e-brake.

I think $250-$300 in parts is about right, and you can do it yourself in a day.

Don't forget to get the rear drums resurfaced. THat will add about $30 to the price tag.

 

[tonkota]

Oh, and only do one wheel at a time. That way you can look at the mirror image when you forget! I always forget.

 

[cruiser88]

Oh, and only do one wheel at a time. That way you can look at the mirror image when you forget! I always forget.

x2 And in a minute I will show you the brake tool you will need.....under 12 bucks.

Trust us when we say do your own brakes. There is no reason to pay someone to do them. Not at hard at all. Also get a Factory service manual. Cruisers are quite easy to maintain and you will feel better at the end of the day.

 

[cruiser88]

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Also at your local Advance auto or Checkers they sell a 2 in one brake tool it has a curved end for pulling the springs that go from side to side and another spring remover on the other end...it works quite well on most cars/trucks.

 

[IH8Wood]

I completely rebuilt mine when I did an axle swap. They're not hard to figure out, there just stupidly complicated compared to discs. I have the old axle sitting on jack stands, so if you get stuck i can post up pics.

 

[PhilC64]

You've got some great advice on what to do, why not take a stab at them?

If you were close I'd offer some assistance, but you don't mention where you're located.

 

[toynut]

i have done rear brakes on lots of different vehicles , yes they are a pita compared to disks , i have the special brake tool but never use it i find a pair of needle nose pliers and small vice grips work best you can use your thumb and fore finger to get most of the stuff put back on , i just did my rear shoes , wheel cylinders front pads and master cylinder took a few hours especial to bench bleed the master , but i am quite happy with the results , i used rabestos pads and shoes and did not resurface my drums or rotors you can easily tell if you have a scored or heat check drum or rotor .

good luck maybe you can find a local cruiser head to give you a hand .

 

[cruiser88]

i have done rear brakes on lots of different vehicles , yes they are a pita compared to disks , i have the special brake tool but never use it i find a pair of needle nose pliers and small vice grips work best you can use your thumb and fore finger to get most of the stuff put back on , i just did my rear shoes , wheel cylinders front pads and master cylinder took a few hours especial to bench bleed the master , but i am quite happy with the results , i used rabestos pads and shoes and did not resurface my drums or rotors you can easily tell if you have a scored or heat check drum or rotor .

good luck maybe you can find a local cruiser head to give you a hand .

I have a nice scar on my arm from a brake spring using vice grips.....