The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Brake locks up

When brake peddle applied Front passenger brake is making the the tire skid, release peddle no more skid.

It just started happening out of no where.

Can I just try to adjust it or do I remove hub and see what's up?


Tia and Adios, Kip

It sounds like the wheel cylinder might be leaking on that side. First - try adjusting both front wheels so they drag the same when spinning up in the air. If that doesn't solve the locking up, then pull that drum off and inspect around the cylinder for leakage.

Yep, the brake linings have to be completely dry , not even your greasy finger prints.

Thanks!

Adios, Kip

Hey let me ask you guys a stupid question just to double check. On the passenger side I push the adjustment nut up to loosen the brakes? And down on the driver's side to loosen?

Tia, Kip

All these other guys probably know what your truck is but I don't. Generally for drum brakes the brake adjustment is done with a brake spoon and you pry in a downward motion which turns the adjustment wheel up to tighten no matter which side. Hope this helps.

Yeah hey MisterMater 54 1/2 ton drums. I use a bent up old screw driver to turn the adjustment nut. So "up" to tighten, down to loosen both sides passenger and driver.

Tia, Kip

now that I think about it, I may have lied to you. It will be easy to turn and you will hear clicking of the adjuster retainer when tightening. All this assumes that the parts haven't been all mixed up from side to side the adjusters do have backwards threads on one side or the other.

from your shop manual: "moving outer end of tool toward the center of the wheel expands the shoes"

from the sound of it you really need to pull the drum and check for a fluid leak

Bill

Ok Squeeze we're talking kind of like a lever action? Pushing the handle up is making the contact point (tool and adustment wheel) go Down? I don't have any brake fluid leakage out the back to the ground and resorvor level is good.

Tia, Kip

yes, like the picture ... only takes a very small amount of fluid to contaminate the shoes enuff to grab, doesn't hafta be evident from outside, could also be a bit of bearing grease from a bad wheel seal

Bill

Thanks Guys! Will get after it in a while. Have a good Thanks Giving and whatever you Canadians call it.

Adios, Kip

Removed the drum, both shoes had something smeared into them. No leaks or grease fling anywhere. Cleaned them up with soap and water and some farely fine sand paper being extra careful just in case of asbestos. No test run yet it's a mess outside it does snow in the desert every once and a while.

Thanks Guys, Kip