Europaman
Newbie
See reply above....
One brake drum locking
- Thread starter Europaman
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
William Keiter
Newbie
Reading the threat as I recently bought a 1990 K3500 and it seems to lock up the brakes when cold. After driving around a little whole they get better, still afraid to put quick force on pedal. Looking to start troubleshooting soon as the weather warms up, its not a daily driver but would like to get it squared away soon.
Pull the drums, look for contaminated shoes--either brake fluid or (maybe) axle lube. (Or both.)
And then a general inspection of "everything" else including the pads on the backing plate that tend to have grooves worn in them.
Fix whatever is leaking, replace the shoes and springs. Fix the backing plate as needed. Probably want to rebuild or replace the wheel cylinders. Make sure the self-adjusters work. Cut or replace drums as needed.
You'll probably have to repack the wheel bearings and replace that seal. I think the one-tons have the bearings lubed via grease, not liquid axle lube. I could be wrong.
Bleed until you get fresh fluid out of all the bleeder screws.
And then a general inspection of "everything" else including the pads on the backing plate that tend to have grooves worn in them.
Fix whatever is leaking, replace the shoes and springs. Fix the backing plate as needed. Probably want to rebuild or replace the wheel cylinders. Make sure the self-adjusters work. Cut or replace drums as needed.
You'll probably have to repack the wheel bearings and replace that seal. I think the one-tons have the bearings lubed via grease, not liquid axle lube. I could be wrong.
Bleed until you get fresh fluid out of all the bleeder screws.
Supercharged111
Truly Awesome
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2015
- Messages
- 12,698
- Reaction score
- 15,494
Fluid leaks can definitely cause this, but so can brake shoe composition. Some aftermarket shoes just suck.
This. My truck had new shoes when I got it, but it had sat, and after a couple drives the wheel cylinders started leaking. I replaced the wheel cylinders, did a quick spray with brake cleaner, and reassembled. My brakes started grabbing when cold, to the point of locking up one of the rear wheels. I pulled the drums back off and cleaned everything thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. I scrubbed the shoes pretty carefully and then reassembled. The brakes are great now.
William Keiter
Newbie
Sounds like my identical situation. Thanks
Rubbing alcohol often has something like 70% alcohol, and 30% glycerine. Some brands are 91%/9%. A few even have "scents" like wintergreen oil.
You don't want the glycerine on your shoes.
There are other solvents that don't have a lubricant mixed-in. Aerosol brake cleaner, for example.
You don't want the glycerine on your shoes.
There are other solvents that don't have a lubricant mixed-in. Aerosol brake cleaner, for example.
TacosnBeer
I'm Awesome
Like someone else mentioned. I had deep grooves in my backing plate and didn't notice it because the shoe covered it. Once I pulled it apart, I could see that the shoe was wedged in the groove keeping it from moving and giving me the same problem you are describing. something to check for sure.
HotWheelsBurban
Gotta have 4 doors..... Rawhide, TOTY 2023!
Yup brake cleaner spray doesn't have oils in it, so it won't damage or contaminate the brake linings. But it WILL take off paint, and cloud up plastic. And it's still flammable.....so do take appropriate care when using it, like any other chemicals.
Not trying to be preachy, just don't like to see people do stupid **** that's totally avoidable.
454cid
Sooper Pooper
I'm pretty sure it's water not glycerin, at least here in the US. Overseas "rubbing" alcohol is either different or non-existent.
Similar threads
Staff online
-
df2x44L60E Destroyer
Members online
- Greenwood90
- tybcr783
- D-Day
- r32flow
- zampman
- Nad_Yvalhosert
- leetzmo18
- cobach5
- OlSmokie
- vince72
- International47
- jparsons2879
- richardjm910
- df2x4
- scott2093
- Djantndu
- FLGS400
- sethdm02
- revmatcher
- movietvet
- im_a_mighty_pirate
- 95burban
- Caman96
- isomswim
- 95Noobie
- South VA
- Tan1998K2500
- 0xDEADBEEF
- Bachert24
- Turboturro
- newyorkpaul
- CrustyC1500
- Nov93
- Hipster
- NCBrochacho
- 2tone94
- skidmrk
- strikk
- Rock Hard Concrete
- 1998_K1500_Sub
- Schurkey
- Miahjoe
- Jakebrake95
- John Moore
- OldschoolPT
- Trev_SS
- Teriria
- MayDay84
- termite
- Chevyman1969