Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001
Hi Glenn,
My front brakes (passenger side mainly) are binding....hard to turn wheel by hand when off the ground, and when I was examining them I noticed that my rotors have a lots of scoring (scratches across the face). Would you have the thickness numbers for these rotors so I can take them to a machine shop to be turned?
Could the binding be due to:
Caliper needing to be rebuilt?
Plugged/swollen brake line?
Warped rotors?
Also, I have '66 parts car and was wondering if the brakes all around are the same as my '64?
Thank you,
Kevin Curry
Hi, Kevin - Minimum thickness of the rotors is the important measurement, and it probably is stamped or cast into the rotor somewhere. Haynes lists the minimum thickness as 0.480" or 12.2 mm. Thickness of a new rotor is specified as 0.500 - 0.504" or 12.7 - 12.8 mm. Light scoring of the rotors is not generally corrected. Most often, it is the pulsating sensation caused by warped rotors that leads owners to have them resurfaced.
Warped rotors will not cause binding unless they are really badly warped, and then you would be able to see that by watching the pads move in and out as you turn the rotor. Swollen rubber hoses can definitely cause this, as well as calipers gummed up with dirt or rust. It's fairly easy to test the rubber hoses. Remove them and try to blow through them. It will be obvious if they are too swollen to allow brake fluid to pass, because it will be difficult to force your breath through them.
If the hoses are o.k., you probably should look into rebuilding the calipers. Rebuilding kits are available from all the usual sources. Rebuilding calipers is not rocket science, but you will need to pay attention to details and follow a manual such as Haynes.
The calipers from your '66 will fit on the '64, and parts from the calipers are interchangeable, so you may be able to put together a good pair without buying any parts other than the rebuild kit. I would try to use both caliper bodies from one car or the other if there is any noticeable difference between them. Don't try to separate the halves of one caliper. Pistons are still available from Volvo. Let me know if you need part numbers.
Rear brakes may or may not be the same from '64 to '66. The best way to see would be to pull the hubs and look. Rear brake failure is usually accompanied by fluid soaking the backing plates, and in severe cases, dripping. -Glenn.