I took the truck on a long ride tonight to a cruise in and on the way home I seemed to be losing power.
When I got home I checked everything and it seemed fine. I jacked up the truck and could barely move the wheels. The brakes were locked up.
I adjusted them in as far as they could go but they were still tighter than I like.
I released the bleeder and got a spurt of fluid out and then they were better.
This happened the first time I took the truck out last year. I only adjusted them to solve the problem last time I did not bleed.
Tonight was the longest ride yet and I think the fluid is expanding when it gets hot and forcing the shoes out which produces more heat which expands the fluid more etc.
I plan to take the truck to Maine this weekend. 105 miles and would really not want to stop to bleed the brakes on the way nor would I like to stop for gas 3 times because I am dragging the brakes.
The pedal is about half way down to engage the brake now. As opposed to abotu 1 inch before. It is solid and it stops good.
Any recommendations to prevent tihs again. When I originally installed the brake lines I used all new parts (master, wheel cylinders, lines, shoes)after charging all the lines I filled the master to the top and sealed it up. I have not opened it since. Should I remove fluid.
Rich
PS the cruise in was a blast and supported the local DARE program. Ellie Mae (as my wife calls her)did turn a few heads there as well!
