uneven braking with front drum brakes

[3.8SC Bronco]

I'm hoping to take my Bronco to Broncorama next weekend but would like to fix my scary brake problem first. If I'm going much over 40 and hit the brakes hard it darts left and right before finally straightening up to stop. I've adjusted brakes as evenly as possible but hasn't seemed to help. Any ideas what the problem could be?

 

[Bulletman]

Brake fluid on shoes or axle gear oil on them can make them grab and pull. Or if one side is worn to the rivets or metal to metal they can grab and pull.

 

[65 mustang]

is that left wheel cylinder free? (working freely )

 

[Tiko433]

I have the same problem , I was guessing the wheel cylinders are not opening evenly

 

[SHX669]

Have you adjusted the rear brake shoes?

 

[Tom Dummer]

I read the title and my answer was "yes."

 

[AxlesUp]

sounds normal to me

i would take all the drums off and make sure everything is there and none of the wheel cylinders are leaking. then i would flush the system completely. i swear when i had 4 wheel drum brakes i had to adjust them every time i drove it to keep it stopping straight.

I'm assuming your radius arm bushings are in good shape?

 

[Apogee]

Have you checked your steering components and alignment? While it certainly can be just the drum brakes creating unequal brake torque side to side, it will most definitely exacerbate any steering issues you have as well.

 

[nvrstuk]

Times 5 what everyone said because ALL parts of the braking system must be working properly or several different improperly working parts could cause your symptoms...

THEN you need to tell us how you adjust your drum brakes...not many know how to do it properly... I was raised with drum brakes and they worked fine (but there's a reason I run 4 wheel discs now)