On the front right drum brake I can't get the wheel cylinder to return to the closed position once it has been applied. I did try to compress it when the bleeder was open and it went easily. I did checked the line for any places where it may be pinched and didn't find any. any ideas?

BTW. the left brake is fine.

thanks once again for your help,

Weak brake springs?

I don't think the return of the pads to normal position is a function of the wheel cyl. The large springs should be pulling it back. Check them against the side that works.
Also make sure you have grease on the edges of the pad where they rub against the backing plate. If those spots are dry or have a rust ridge, that might be hanging them up.

Luck, Kevin

There might be a restriction or failure of the brake hose.
David

Originally posted by davidpozzi:
There might be a restriction or failure of the brake hose.
David also check the brake metal lines,
i had one that got pinched when doing an engine swap,in a 1980 Cutlass Supreme,{out came the 350 diesel,in went an Olds 455 ;) }
the right side brake did not work very well at all,and it would also momentarily hang up,as if the brake pedal was still lightly applied,drove me wacky!
smile.gif graemlins/clonk.gif graemlins/beers.gif

David you called it. I replaced the hose today and it fixed the problem. Thanks all for your suggestions.