Question about the brakes on my deuce

[Lonesome715]

The brakes on one of my deuces were not working when I bought it. After a brief search I found a broken brake hose that lead to the rear axle. I replaced it with a brand new hose and bled the brakes. The firmness of the brake pedal went from nonexistent to very firm. As a matter of fact, it is firmer than the other three brake pedals on the three deuces in my yard. We tried to pull the truck back a couple of feet to jump it off and it would not budge. It was out of gear, the parking brake was disengaged, and it was sitting on a slight incline. The truck would not move what so ever. Now, I ask, are the brakes locked up now that they have pressure on them? Can I simply back them off a bit and be okay? Also, I think I know how to adjust them, but I want to make sure. Can someone walk me through the process? I think all I have to do it loosen the big nuts on the bottom of the assembly and adjust them from there. Am I correct?
Oh, and one more thing. The truck drove to my house just fine. Nothing was locked up then. The driver had to use the emergency brake to stop.

 

[tiger422]

I had a problem where rust held the brakes on after first using them. I opened the bleeder and took a hammer to backing plate they came loose.

 

[badgmc56]

You can crack the line coming out of the master cylinder. If it frees the brakes, the master is bad. If that does not do it then I would jack up the truck to see which wheel or wheels are stuck providing the e-brake is not the problem.

 

[m35a2cowner]

Brakes

One thing to check is that brake pedal is free, its possible its not returning to the uppermost extent of its travel where it releases the compressed fluid back into the master cylinder. Try pulling the pedal all the way up to see if it releases the brakes.

Another thing, its a long shot, but maybe you got to much fluid in the master cylinder. Block the wheels and open one of the bleeder screws (front easiest) and see if it loosens the brakes. If it works, check the manual for proper filling of the master cylinder.

 

[DieselBob]

TM 9-2320-361-20 page 8-22 has the adjustment procedure for the brakes and page 8-38 explains the brake pedal free travel adjustment. Some members have reported the brakes lock because there was not enough brake pedal free travel to let the piston in the master cylinder return all the way and release the fluid pressure.

 

[Lonesome715]

Thanks. I will try each one of those suggestions today. I have had trouble downloading the manuels before. I will try again. The odea of jacking up each corner is so simple. I cannot beleive I did not think of that.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Manual Help! When you locate a TM you want in the section, right click on it and save that file to your computer. It will take some time to download but after that its yours, on your computer and you can open it up any time you want.

 

[Lonesome715]

Thanks. I will give it anolther shot.

 

[Divemaster920]

Check you E-Brake spring......I bet it is still engaged.

 

[Lonesome715]

Funny you should mention that. I was just sitting down to post an up date. I just jacked up each axle one at a time and found the front tires spin just fine. However, all for rear tires are stuck. I did notice that with some effort I could get them to turn a little bit. The brakes did not feel as though they were grabbing. When I engage and disengage the parking brake I do not feel any resistance. When my wife gets home from picking up our four year old I will have her pull the lever while I am under the truck so I can watch the assembly. Now, how should I unstick it if that is the issue? Will a hammer work?

 

[clinto]

I had an e-brake seize up. One of the shoes couldn't rotate on the shaft, causing it to stay engaged.

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/9210-deuce-e-brake-questions.html

 

[Divemaster920]

When you look at it, it should be a no-brainer, if it is sticking or not. Shoes are either engaged or not. If the spring is missing, she will hate to go in reverse.

 

[Lonesome715]

Well, I did not wait for a reply. I went out there and wacked with a hammer and it lossened up. I am glad I had wheel chocks. I was able to roll the truck back severl fet and the brakes worked. SUCCESS!!

 

[Lonesome715]

I just took the truck for a test drive and it was wonderful. The truck ran and stopped perfectly. That was the first time I have gotten to drive that truck. I appreciate the suggestions on getting it repaired.