Help! My dad's brakes are busted!

"55Buick, Oversteer Scientist" (55Buick)
12/14/2013 at 12:02 • Filed to: Help

My dad posted this on a Facebook group about 1955 Buicks, but I thought I'd ask you guys too:

I have had my 1955 Super for about a year and a half, and drive it 40 or 50 miles per weekend.
It has been in the 20s and 30s outside for the past few weeks, but I keep the car in the garage.
This morning, after a 5 mile drive to the store, I got in to drive home and it appeared that the only functioning brake was in the left rear. Very light pressure on the pedal would lock up the rear brake.
Half way home, things seemed back to normal, but I can't be sure. I was reluctant to press too hard on the pedal - I wanted to be sure to get home.
Any ideas?

Thanks for helping!

DISCUSSION (5)

NinetyQ > 55Buick, Oversteer Scientist
12/14/2013 at 12:14

(Derp)

NinetyQ > 55Buick, Oversteer Scientist
12/14/2013 at 12:16

Are they power brakes? I'm not sure how master cylinders fail, but maybe that?

thereisnospork > NinetyQ
12/14/2013 at 12:25

I don't know about cars that old but modern car's cylinders typically have at least 2 separate braking channels, typically LF/RR and RF/LR. Considering most of the brakes went out, if there are no obvious leaks of fluid, MC is where I would start. Could've busted a seal or just worn/corroded out the cylinder without losing all braking. In anycase remove disassemble rebuild or replace. Or perhaps the left rear caliper was just sticking and a little extra pressure was all it took to lock up?

NinetyQ > thereisnospork
12/14/2013 at 12:35

Prior to 1967, all or at least most cars had single-circuit master cylinders. But yeah, it could easily be that the left rear drum was sticking. I've had it happen to our '52 Buick during the first drive of the spring, but it sounds like this one gets more use. Still, it could be.

Bandit > 55Buick, Oversteer Scientist
12/14/2013 at 13:23

Something probably froze up while you were busy at the store. After you got some heat in the brakes and that something melted all was good. That's just my guess.