Brakes draging after storage Options

[a2vwnick]

My 76 914 has been off the road for a couple of years, but I finally got it registered and started driving it again. But one of the barkes appears to be dragging a little, I'm not sure yet if its just one or both, I *think* its the rears but I'm not sure yet until later today I am gonna jack it up and check it out. I was just wondering if this is something common that happens and where I should look first to figure out what the problem is.

[Eric_Shea]

After tearing apart a ga-jillion of these things, I would encourage you to plan on bleeding your system and take each caliper off for maintenance and cleaning.

Pull the springs and pins and pads. Get all the damn spider nests out of there and check the condition of your dust seals. This is the number 1 reason for rear brake piston and adjuster failure. People "never" take these calipers off and check these seals. They get torn, rotten and some aren't even there. Water gets in and rusts the first 1/8" of the bore making the piston stick. It rarely goes beyond the inner seal but that 1/8" is enough to gum up the works.

Check your springs upon removal. They're frail and they tend to bust apart. A pop rivet gun will fix them but... they're only $5.00 new. They could be missing leaving a pad to rub against the rotor.

Check your adjusters. If they're working, you should be fine. If your dust covers are bad, I can send you some new ones. Send me $5.00 to cover the shipping etc. If your adjusters aren't working then it's probably time for a rebuild.

By all means... listen to those who have posted before me:

Lines - If you haven't replaced the rubber lines, spend the $50.00 to get new ones and get ready for the battle. I like to use a MAPP torch to get the 11mm ends loose from the old lines. The rear hard-line loops are NLA so you don't want to be bending and twisting those apart. I had a 914 that stopped great... just getting it rolling again was difficult. After about 10 minutes the brakes released themselves and away it went. Lines do blister internally so check them and if you're in doubt get new ones. Don't swear at me when your replacing the rears... it's not my fault! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

Adjust - Improper adjustment of the hand brake can cause one brake to get hot and then start to bind.

If you check all that stuff there's no way you won't find your problem.

Others reading this... I just spent the afternoon tearing down another 50 calipers. Make sure you take the time this spring to remove, clean and inspect your calipers. I see them all. Nice clean ones that have been taken care of and nearly impossible ones that have all but given up the ghost.

Seriously... do it, you need to bleed your brakes anyway. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/beerchug.gif)