Just got a question in general. My '74 Maverick has drum brakes all the way around. I just noticed, when applying the brakes, it pulls REAL BAD to the left. Is that an indication that the left brakes are "grabbing" more than the right or what? Thanks
Yep. Could be an issue with either side causing your left brake to do more work or grab. Better pull both wheels and have a look at the brakes and cylinders. If everything is good double check the adjusters and hardware. May just be an adjustment issue. Its a never ending battle with front drum to stay straight. I would do the disc conversion before I spent money on the front drum brakes. Thats me though. Some dont mind front drum.
Could also be worn suspension parts doing it also. Adjust the front brakes, bleed them good while you are at it and then go and drive it again to see if anything changed. If it fixes it then all is good, but if you still have the pull start looking at suspension parts.
I actually have the same problem right now with mine. I bled them and never got a chance to test them as I didn't have a gas tank at the time, but now that I've tried it pulls real bad to the left. I'm going to try and re-bleed them, if that doesn't work I'll try what you guys have suggested.
If the brakes check out, pay close attention to the strut rod bushings. Worn bushings were the problem when my '66 Mustang wouldn't stop straight.
Drum brakes are also sensitive to adjustment from side to side. If they are adjusted too tight they will not grab like they should... If it pulls to the left you may want to either loosen the right side or tighten the left side.
i put new front shoes on my 71' and had a hell of a time getting them adjusted equally.. long story short, i got them as close as i could then just drove it for a few days till they were seated in evenly and haven't had a problem since. Good luck!