1970-1971 Ford and Mercury - Intermittent Brake issues

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Intermittent Brake issues

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: 1970-1971 Ford and Mercury
Forum Description: Technical discussion for 1970-1971 Ford and Mercury
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=21654
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 10:26AM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Intermittent Brake issues

Posted By: Cobratyler
Subject: Intermittent Brake issues
Date Posted: 06-April-2025 at 9:26AM

Hey guys, I have a 1970 Torino cobra. While out for a drive yesterday I had what felt like brake/brakes starting to bind. My question is where should I start on diagnosing this issue? I have already jacked the car up and all the wheels were free spinning.

Replies:

Posted By: DJsTorino
Date Posted: 07-April-2025 at 6:16AM

How old are the rubber lines? I had to replace all the rubber flex lines in my car as they had swelled up inside and were causing the brakes to drag.

Posted By: Cobratyler
Date Posted: 07-April-2025 at 10:48AM

I’m not sure I just got the car a few weeks ago. But I’d be willing to bet they’re pretty old.

Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 07-April-2025 at 11:10AM

fronts or rears? both? disc, drum?

loose, rusted / disconnected hardware in a drum can allow the shoes to apply pressure to the drums

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72 GT Ute

Posted By: Jaybee
Date Posted: 07-April-2025 at 2:31PM

I had a brake hose go bad a few months ago. Looked fine on the outside, but fluid leaked between the layers, causing the inside to balloon together and block the fluid flow.

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Cars are meant for driving

Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 08-April-2025 at 9:13AM

If the e brake has been applied, look to see if the cables are stuck where they enter the backing plate. I have had similar issues over the years and that waa the problem. An easy way to tell is to see if the cables under the floor are drooping down.

Posted By: Wayner315
Date Posted: 08-April-2025 at 10:29AM

To expand on the rubber line issue, my understanding is that the rubber lines will let the enormous (thousands of psi?) pressure from the brake pedal through to the caliper/shoes, but then the relatively low pressure, once the pedal is depressed can't make it's way back up the line, hence the sticking. Best of luck, hope this helps.

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72 Gran Torino formal roof Brougham

Posted By: Cobratyler
Date Posted: 04-May-2025 at 9:53AM

Hey guys I wanted to thanks for your reply’s. Sorry it’s been awhile I’m sure you guys know how life gets in the way. Anyway, I finally got a chance to look and the brake hoses are brand new. Both front wheels had resistance while trying to free spin them. The drivers side outside brake pad was significantly worn compared to the one on the inside. The passenger side did not show significant ware on the pads but still had resistance. I shot some WD40 on the sliders to see if I could get them to start moving freely. If that doesn’t work would caliper replacement be the next move?

Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 04-May-2025 at 10:40AM

Try a little lithium grease on the slider. A little...

Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 04-May-2025 at 11:23AM

Rockauto shows the 1970 calipers use pins in rubber bushings?

at least disassemble, clean & reassemble.

be careful what lube you use so as not to swell up / make the rubber funky

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72 GT Ute

Posted By: Cobratyler
Date Posted: 04-May-2025 at 1:00PM

Ok I’ll disassemble and clean up and see how it goes.