brakes locked

[Susan Lybolt]

When driving I heard a left rear sequel. After stopping at inlaws. the brakes seemed to be locking up. Able to move to the garage. Could it be the emergency brake?

 

[why]

There is a rubber brake hose just in front of differential that goes to a "Y" that then distributes fluid to both rears. That hose can swell internally such that pressure on application will still push fluid through but when release brake pedal the fluid does not reverse in hose and brake can lock, or drag until it slowly releases the pressure. Otherwise, just pull wheel, see if you can get the drum off, fiddling with handle brake lever as well as adjusting nut may get it free. If none of that works, open bleed valve and let some fluid out, the less the better. Once drum comes off just examine all springs, even take apart and just put back together if nothing found wrong, if little fluid released bleed that one drum and give it a try. In Jag had bad diaphragm in power booster temporarily lock all brakes at once. Assume the other three wheels spin easily so at least you have safe bet that will be resolved with making sure all springs are okay, rebuild wheel cylinder and replace that rubber hose, small $$$ and that should do it.
Jay '65 3000

 

[Susan Lybolt]

Thanks, just got back on the road. Had the hand brake on a lot today. Seems that it is not a taught as it was. Perhaps I snapped the cable. would that lock the rear brake?

 

[Keoke]

Thanks, just got back on the road. Had the hand brake on a lot today. Seems that it is not a taught as it was. Perhaps I snapped the cable. would that lock the rear brake?

Not likely check rear brake hose-?

 

[DerekJ]

It could be a leaking brake cylinder resulting in fluid on the surface of the drum. Amazing how this can make a wheel lock up. I had it on the front right and the car was undriveable, the wheel locked very time I touched the brake.

 

[Susan Lybolt]

There is no leaking. When the brakes cool down they spin freely.

 

[Keoke]

Susan:

I would try having a shop install new riveted linings on your shoes and then arcing the new linings to the drum.
Maybe just arcing the existing shoes to the drums may work?

 

[HealeyRick]

Sounds to me like it might be a mechanical problem, rather than hydraulic. Wonder if the ebrake is remaining partially engaged? I'd jack up the rear with both wheels off the ground and see if the ebrake is fully releasing.

 

[RickPA]

I'm not sure from the posts if both rears are locking or just the left. If just one side is locking check the return springs for the shoes to see if one is broken or fell off. If it's both rears take a look at the return spring for the handbrake (behind the right rear on BJ8, not sure of other models).

 

[healeyblue]

sure sounds like a classic case of the swollen brake hose like Jay said.

 

[Susan Lybolt]

Where would the brake hose swell? It's a solid brake line going to the wheel.

 

[healeyblue]

The rubber hose not the metal line. The rubber swells internally and acts like a check valve allowing fluid under pressure to go to the brakes, but not allow it to return back when the pressure is released. Over time the fluid seeps back and will seem like the problem is gone but will soon return again after use.

 

[John Turney]

Where would the brake hose swell? It's a solid brake line going to the wheel.

The rubber hose goes from the frame to the rear axle. It should be alongside the differential under the right rear seat (if you have rear seats).

 

[Susan Lybolt]

Were is the hose swelling?. It's a solid brake line to the wheel. No brake fluid on the pads. Hand brake spring intact.

 

[TimK]

I had this problem for years, occurring randomly. It was caused by a wheel cylinder that would get cocked and jam. I really don't remember how I solved it, but it had something to do with the spring clips that hold the wheel cylinder in place. I do remember that the cylinder was able to be moved a lot before I replaced the spring clips. Although I agree the rubber hose could swell and restrict fluid return, it would affect both brakes. I'd recommend replacing the spring clips. The e-brake also would affect both brakes.

 

[GregW]

It's a solid brake line to the wheel.

You're not reading what people are saying. On top of the axle, on the passenger side (LHD).The rubber hose connects the metal brake line on the frame to the metal line on the axle.

 

[HealeyRick]

IIRC you are recommissioning a BJ8 that has sat for a while. There are three rubber brake hoses, two in the front and one in the rear, that can swell internally and cause the issue you're discussing. It's standard procedure to replace them all. Here's a link from Moss: https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=111359
If you replace them first and still have a problem, it's no big deal as they are relatively cheap and will give you a stiffer pedal. Replace them, bleed the brakes and report back. If you still have a problem we can investigate further. A lot of Healey problem solving involves replacing one piece at a time until we find the fault. Steady on.

 

[tahoe healey]

The ones with the stainless steel braiding will not allow the hoses to expand when the brakes are applied. Not a problem for the first decade but as the age they can flex reducing the pressure to the slave cylinders.