Decided to upgrade to self-adjusting brakes back there, added more !#$%^&*! springs to deal with
*ka-sproing* shot parts across the garage less than a dozen times I believe
Parking brake spreader bar spring was broken so had to find them, none of the Chevy sources had them but Corvette Central did (or Canadian Pontiacs of that vintage are the same as early straight-axle Corvettes). I bought 2 sets so if anyone needs one, let me know, eh?
Now to do the other side ... and while I was back there, and turned the rear axle hub to paint it, I heard and felt the dreaded bearing rumble ... so new rear wheel bearings and seals are on back-order, that'll be the next step back there I guess. Along with installing new Positraction and 4.11 gears ... might as well do the whole rear axle innards at once.
Always lots to do! But it's my retirement project so I figure I've got as long as I want to work on the old girl
And one of these days she'll be on the road runnin'
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Yes but even with all the options that thing applies, it was still a challenge to find a leverage point then pull on those springs and get them off (and, worse, on). Actually sometimes a needlenose pliers allowed better grip and leverage. Anyhoo, the job required several pauses to reconsider the proper technique (not to mention chasing springs around the garage, including one little devil that found its way underneath the air compressor)
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Gonna add some more pictures, here's what was in the self-adjusting brake kit:
The top half is all replacement springs etc., the bottom half is the self-adjusting mechanisms which are mirror image side-to-side, here's the left side assembled from the directions:
Here's what the end result is supposed to look like:
I think I did mine OK? Comparing to my original posted picture of end result, the only difference is how the bottom spring is hooked in, but I don't think it would result in different (small) clearance to the star wheel either way?
For comparison, here's what the right rear should look like (thanks to Ghost Post for sharing this):
Dave
-- Edited by davelacourse on Sunday 31st of May 2009 11:25:00 AM
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
Yes, sorry Micky, mine are 1" diameter - part number Raybestos WK21, and yours are smaller, part number Raybestos WK423 - so my rebuild kits will not fit your cylinders
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod