Re: [Amc-list] rear wheel lock up problem still

[farna@xxxxxxx]

The bad news is that you have Wagner rear brakes. From 58-69 ALL Series 10 six cylinder cars used Wagner brakes, all others used Bendix. Unfortunately the 15/16 wheel cylinders you have now are the smallest Wagner wheel cylinders AMC used. So a wheel cylinder change is not likely. I don't know if any other makes used Wagner brakes, Ford used Bendix. Wheel cylinders, backing plates, and top anchor blocks are different between Wagner and Bendix -- to different to consider modifying. You'd have to replace the backing plates and all on your axle with those from an American. Since you were contemplating an axle swap later, you should go ahead and get an adjustable proportioning valve. It's safe to use behind the combo valve you have now -- it will only reduce pressure to the set point. 

Studebaker may have used Wagners. If so, the six cylinder Lark may have used smaller wheel cylinders -- the 58-63 American used 13/16" wheel cylinders and was about the same size as the Lark. That's a 1/8" drop, the max I'd go, but would be worth a try. 

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Swygert, Francis G MSgt 436 CES/CECM" <Francis.Swygert3@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> In my long winded post on brakes, I forgot to mention changing the rear
> wheel cylinder size!! Thanks Tom J, for posting that!! 
> 
> Check your TSM, Dave, for the wheel cylinder size. Americans typically
> used a 1/16" smaller wheel cylinder. Wheel cylinders have the opposite
> effect as master cylinders. They operate on the total amount of surface
> area that has pressure applied, so a large diameter wheel cylinder has
> more power than a small one, though it takes a slight amount of
> additional volume to move it as far. Again, this can cost a little --
> you have to move in 1/16" increments. In your case a 1/16" smaller one
> will probably do the trick. 
> 
> I'll have to check my TSMs when I get home to give a recommendation. 
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