Rear brakes sticking - diagnostics?

[NorthernOtter]

So took the '73 out this weekend, and was surprised at how much it was struggling up hills.

Well of course it wasn't just the 45 year old engine having a tough time, but the rear wheels were quite warm and were showing a bunch of brake dust on them. The front wheels however were fine.

Got under it today and pulled off the calipers. Pads and rotors themselves are fine, and the calipers look to be pretty new.

I compressed the pistons after opening the bleeder screw. Then put the pads back in and gave the rotor a spin with my hand - everything looked good with minimal rubbing.

I then went ahead and loosened the ebrake cable, and this seemed to help a bit. However even with it rather loose, after putting the ebrake on, then taking it off, the brakes seemed to stick - not much, but enough to cause issue. After this, I jiggled the ebrake cable near the caliper and this helped again.

My guess is that the ebrake cable is old and sticking inside its sheath - the boots are all worn at the calipers and there is a hole burned in it from the exhaust.

Before I go out and get a new cable though, is there anything I could be missing?

[Nanonevol]

I think you're on the right track. My e-brake cable also had that exhaust burn and one side was totally rusted and frozen. Invest in a new cable.

[NorthernOtter]

Wondering if there is an adjustment that can be done on the rears, or are they self-adjusting?

It can't hurt to get a new cable, but any part I order has to come North of the border so I want to be pretty sure I'm not missing anything.

[azruss]

there are 2 more things to look at. The rear brake compensator and the 3 flexible brake hoses. Old hoses can collapse on the inside and look fine on the outside. try everything else before messing with the compensator....its worth looking at if nothing else solves the problem.

[NorthernOtter]

there are 2 more things to look at. The rear brake compensator and the 3 flexible brake hoses. Old hoses can collapse on the inside and look fine on the outside. try everything else before messing with the compensator....its worth looking at if nothing else solves the problem.

Thanks for this, I'll check on those after doing the cable. I'm certain the hoses are due - if not now then soon. That'll be my next step, then I'll look into the compensator.

New cable is arriving tomorrow from Amazon, so should have an answer pretty soon.

[davidbruce]

if applying the hand brake causes the problem I would start with the cable. if pressing the pedal causes the problem I would look at the hoses, then the compensator. For me it was the centre hose from the chassis to the diff. was collapsed. If you are able to bleed the brakes it is more likely a hose than the compensator.

[NorthernOtter]

Swapped the cable out today, looks like it fixed the issue. It was really sticking inside the sleeve, I assume from the rust for.ed after the exhaust brunt a hole in it.

If it persists I'll move on to the hoses. Probably due anyways!