Drum brake issue and rookie question

[Bronco Sully]

Recently my factory 73 drum brakes pretty much went to the floor and you had to mash fairly hard to get decent stopping power. They were fine prior to that. Since I bought the truck around October last year, its damn near been my daily driver. Given I live around some of the worst drivers in the US (Houston) I have had to hammer the brakes a couple of times even though I drive fairly conservatively.

Long story short, the front chamber of the MC was empty and once I filled it, the brakes were fine, in fact excellent. No leaks we're evident anywhere and I will continue to monitor. All the lines look in good shape. The old fluid looks rather murky.

Is it possible that since I have been using the rig fairly more often than the PO and have had to brake rather heavily occasionally that the shoes would would be pushed out a bit more causing the lines to pull more brake fluid draining the chamber? Probably a stupid question. Not quite sure what would cause this w/o a leak.


Thanks, Sully

 

[broncnaz]

I'd look for a leak somewhere in the system. Could be that the shoes are worn and the wheel cylinders have pushed out to rusted area and torn up the seals a little allowing a leak. But overall the wheel cylinders in drum brakes dont really take up the slack like disc brake calipers do so fluid level should stay the same. You will get more pedal travel if the shoes are worn but it shouldnt empty out the fluid.

 

[Bronco Sully]

Broncnaz makes sense. I will take the wheels off, knock off the covers, and take a closer inspection.

 

[broncnaz]

Since it was the front resevoir then I'd look at the rear brakes.

 

[69red]

Check the flex line from the frame to the rear axel too.