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MB GPW G503 WWII Military Jeep Brake Adjustments and Troubleshooting WW2 Restoration

This Article describes how to make brake troubleshootng and adjustments for your WWII Jeep. Applies to 1942,42,1943,43,1944,44,1945 Jeeps models


This article applies to both Willys MB and Ford GPW WWII Military Jeeps 


1. This article is a work in process. The foundation of this article came from the TM-1513 brake section which describes trouble shooting your brakes. This article also has suggestions from users who have experienced issues with brakes as well.

2. Most likely Remedy
a. Re-Adjust shoes
b. Flush lines with alcohol, install wheel cylinders and master cylinder.
c. Adjust Master Cylinder rod
d. Clean Master cylinder

3. Most likely Remedy
a. Adjust brakes correctly
b. Replace brake hose
c. Replace retracting spring
d. Replace Wheel Cylinder
e. Adjust/replace wheel bearing

4. Most likely Remedy
a. Adjust anchor pin
b. Replace lining
c. Clean with wire brush
d. Turn drum/replace lining
e. Adjust wheel bearing
f. Tighten spring clips
g. Tighten backing plate
h. Different kinds on opposite wheels
i. Primary/Secondary shoes reverse
j. Inflate to 30 lbs. pressure
k. Replace/change to opposite wheel.

5. Most likely Remedy
a. Adjust
b. Replace lining
c. Locate and repair
d. Replace or Regrind
e. Replace brake lining
f. Fill master cylinder/bleed lines

6. Most likely Remedy
a. Bleed lines
b. Adjust brake shoes

7. Most likely Remedy
a. Replace lining
b. Major adjustment
c. Replace brake shoes
d. Replace or regrind drums

8. Most likely Remedy
a. Replace brake shoes and/or drums
b. Replace lining
c. Clean with wire brush or replace
d. Adjust properly

9. Brakes - Presure build up? If your brake lever rod is tightened to much, the Master Cylinder piston will not fall back far enough to release fluid back into the inlet

10. Test Wheel Cylinders with Drums ON! In this case, wheel cylinder appears to be blasted out, it is not! In order to bleed and test your brakes your wheel drums need to be installed!

11. Please submit experiences, and we will post them ....



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