Brake Problems - Diesel Forum

IDMT · 12-12-2005, 12:50 AM

Big Red has been giving me fits lately. If it ain't one thing it's another. Now, my right rear wheel locks up everytime I hit the brakes. I just (6 months ago) had new brakes put on all the way around. The front calipers were rebuilt, the rear wheel cylinders were replaced, as were the pads, shoes, and master cylinder. Oh, and the rear axles seals were done, too.

Whenever I apply the brakes, there seems to be a sweet spot where the right rear wheel locks up. If I slow real gradual, no problem. If I put just a little too much pedal, only the rtight wheel locks. Oh, and it's worse in the morning then the end of the day. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciate.

adamrmathis · 12-12-2005, 01:48 AM

Have you removed the drum to see if there is anything obvious?

If the wheel cylinder was leaking, or the axle seal was leaking, oils may get on the shoes and cause the symptoms you are having.

Just the things off the top off my head.

- Adam

perryg114 · 12-12-2005, 08:45 AM

I had a similar problem on my Ranger and it was the cheap rebuilt Advance Autoparts shoes that were the problem. I put Bendix on there and the problem went away. I know you folks don't like Bendix but it cured my little truck. Brake fluid or oil is usually the problem everything else being ok. I think the problem with the cheap shoes was that they were too aggressive and tended to stick to the drum which causes the brakes to grab and lock the wheel. I did not have the shoes reversed which can cause this problem also. The short shoe always goes on the front side.

Perry

northerncrewcab · 12-12-2005, 03:16 PM

It could also mean that there is problems on the otherside as well. If the wheel cylinder is frozen on the left side ( I know they are new but it happens) it will cause the right brake shoes to move but not the left. Also if the brake adjuster is not working on the left it will take longer for the shoes to expand out. When you apply the brakes gradually the shoes move out slower until both sides are touching the drums evenly. Try adjusting the brakes by hand and see if it still grabs on one side. If they don't grab anymore that that may indicate one adjuster is working better then the other. Just something to check.