Brakes: brakes lock up

[willisl55]

I have converted to a Jim Turner disk brake system on my 55 champion. After bleeding the brakes I noticed the front brakes were locked. I opened a bleeder and they released. this is what I did next.....I got my wife to pump the pedal while I bled the brakes and got good flow from both front bleeders. It was then that I noticed the brakes were locking up until I opened a bleeder. I got out my vacuum bleeder and went to the right side, created a vacuum and opened the bleeder. I got a small amount of fluid and then just kept sucking air. I get plenty of fluid on the left side so I guess it is something on the right. I was going to remove the line from the block where the stoplight switch is but it is frozen so I have sprayed it with PB Blaster and will wait for it to soak in. The block has a line coming in from the master cylinder and one line out to right side and one for the left side. Since I am getting plenty of fluid on the left do you think there might be an obstruction in the port for the right. I don't understand how I get fluid when I pump the brakes but none when I use the vacuum pump. still not sure if this is what is causing them to lock up. I would like to hear anyones thoughts on this. thanks, Lee

[Warren Webb]

Did you replace the brake lines too? Disconnect the right front flex line from the hard line junction & see how it bleeds from there. If you don't get any air from that location you have a bad flex line.

[unclemiltie]

I have seen bad rubber brake hoses do this

[warrlaw1]

Your MC under the floor will cause that problem if the plunger isn't adjusted properly. I had that problem until I found that you can't adjust the linkage up snuggly like a modern car. There has to be some travel left or the MC won't release. Adjust the rod in, towards the MC to see if it will release pressure. Good Luck.

[E. Davis]

Absolutely true...been there, done that. And, don't overfill the M/C. It needs a little expansion room or it will not release. I leave mine about a half inch down.

[willisl55]

Talked to Jim Turner on Sunday and he gave me several suggestions. What I found was a small piece of crud in the brake line feeding the right caliper. Probably got there when I replaced the brake light switch. Blew out line, reconnected and re-bled all brakes. Everything is working correctly now. Jim has a great product and great service.