Start by checking the rear brake operation. With the tires off the ground, see if you can turn the wheels when a helper applies light brake pedal pressure. It shouldn't take much pedal effort to make the wheels impossible to turn by hand. If a brake doesn't work or if a lot of pedal pressure is needed, suspect a constricted rubber flex hose. If the brake does apply under hard pedal pressure you will likely find it doesn't release right away when the pedal is released. That's because the restriction makes it difficult for the brake fluid to release back to the reservoir.
There is a metering valve for the front disc brakes when the rear are drum brakes. That is also called a "hold-off" valve. Its purpose is to delay the application of the front brakes until you move the brake pedal far enough for the rear shoes to move out and contact the drums. That results in even application of all four brakes. If a rear brake can't apply due to that constriction in the hose, the front ones will apply too aggressively.
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Thursday, June 6th, 2013 AT 10:29 PM
