Just got done with a major project. Swapped a rust free 2000 van body onto my 1997 E250 Guigley 4x4. Having a problem with the brakes.

First it has all new brake lines, steel and rubber. New calibers, cylinders and pads. Been vacuum bled a couple times and ole fashion manual bled a couple more. Brake pedal is nice and firm and NO lights of any sort are on. Brakes worked great before swap so the rotors and drums are fine. Have adjusted the rear brakes several times lose to tight, no change. Also changed the rear axle sensor.

Problem is the rear brakes are locking up and there is some vibration/shudder. When first starting out and it's cold it's not as bad. After driving 4-5 miles and using the brakes several times it slowly gets worse. To the point of rear drums getting hot and locking up when brakes are applied. Let it sit a few hours and it's fine again and will redo the same thing.

The shudder/vibration is in the rear, whole van shakes. No pulling, shake or vibration from the steering wheel or pedal. What am I missing here??

 

Something (hydraulic/mechanical) is holding the rear brakes on.

Drum or disc?

 

Disc in front and rear drum.

Took it out and pulled the fuse to disable the anti lock BS. No change.

Did check the front and they are working. Went out in the field and stomped on the brakes. Rear locked going forward and front skidded a little in reverse.

Forgot the emergency brake is disconnected also.

 

Turned out to be a bad anti lock brake module. I hate it when people don't follow through with a thread.

 

Chipper, thank you. I'm having the same problem with my 97 e250. It seemed to be the self adjuster cable because it's come off a few times but now I suspect either the wheel cylinder or the anti lock brake module based on your post. My code reader used to read the ABS codes on my van now it says it can't detect ABS, was that the case for you as well when your module was bad?