[AT] OT '68 Dodge truck brake problem

Cecil R Bearden crbearden at copper.net
Thu Nov 8 05:08:06 PST 2012


If it is a 1968 Model and the brake hoses have never been changed, the 
hoses are nearly 45 years old. Rubber deteriorates.  I would change all 
the brake hoses.   Years ago I stopped having brake problems when I 
replaced the hoses on any brake job on a vehicle that was 20 yrs or 
older.   I worked in a shop with a very good and experienced mechanic.  
When he did a brake job he changed the hoses if the vehicle was over 5 
years old!!!!!   He said the life of the rubber was 5 years.   I 
remember the deal about firestone tires that the rubber was only good 
for 6 years exposure to the air.    I have seen brake hoses that were 
showing the internal cord while a vehicle was on the lift and the 
customer would argue that it was fine!!!   Steve is correct, they will 
separate internally where the line meets the fitting and block the fluid 
flow.  Brake hoses are not that expensive.

I guess I am getting really old.  I will change things like that when I 
have the truck raised up so I don't have to go through the trouble of 
raising it up and getting under it again!!
With the problems I now have with my back and the nerve damage to my 
legs, I have made a lot of changes as to what I will take a chance on 
when driving.

I remember going  to deliver a tractor or truck with an old company 
roll-back truck with just a pair of pliers and a pocket screwdriver.  No 
cell phone, no tool box,  and maybe $10 in my pocket.  The truck had a 
saddle tank, and gas was only $0.15 / gal!!!!!
Cecil in OKla



On 11/8/2012 12:48 AM, Steve W. wrote:
> Richard Walker wrote:
>> I'm posting this for a friend who has been having a heck of a
>> frustrating time trying to troubleshoot a brake problem with his '68
>> Dodge truck.  Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.  -  Richard
>>
>>
>>
>> My problem concerns my ancient 1968 Dodge 3/4 ton Pickup. I have owned
>> this truck for 30+ years and it has never given me a problem I could not
>> solve, but now I'm out of ideas. Recently (and suddenly) it started
>> locking up a wheel when the brakes were applied. Visual observation
>> confirmed that it was the right rear wheel. When I say locks up, that's
>> exactly what happens. It stops going around right NOW. And leaves a tire
>> mark on the pavement where it was and there's a smell of burnt rubber in
>> the air. It should be noted that if the brake pedal is feathered very
>> lightly, the truck slows down, but even a little normal pedal pressure
>> causes lock-up. This is such a simple brake system -- no self adjusters,
>> parking brake fully relaxed. All four drums have been off; no broken
>> springs or missing attachment parts; the RR wheel cylinder has been
>> rebuilt (again). Any ideas ?  -  Bernie
>>
> If it was that sudden I suspect a problem in the line to the left side.
> Sounds like the right side is getting all of the fluid and the left is
> getting none (or very little)
>
> Could be a small chunk of rubber line from the flex line came free and
> blocked it at the T or down in the line at a bend or bracket.
>
> I would open the bleeder (if possible) or open the wheel cylinder and
> check the flow to the left side. IF it turns out to be blocked I would
> pull the line, run a piece of wire (MIG wire or fence wire would work)
> through it and see if you can determine what the blockage was.
>




More information about the AT mailing list