right back brake is locking up
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From: northern mn
right back brake is locking up
My brakes have been spongy lately and know the rigth back brake is locking up very easy. I have to be very careful when I use the brakes.The lower valve after the MS is swetty with brake fluid,this is the only thing I can see so far that could be the problem. Does this make any sence,could this be bad and doing this to my brakes?Or would there be more problems?
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From: northern mn
Beast12
It doesnt lock up on its on it does it when I apply the brakes. I had to be towed and the guy that pulled me was a speedy nut. When I got home I had used up all the vacum of course,ever since the brakes were very soft and didnt work the same.I have tried to bleed them and it dont help. The valve with the 2 units on top of it that go to the back is wet with fluid (think it is for abs dont know for sure).This must be some kind of by-pass,seems like the one brake is getting all ths pressure. Not very good at brake systems yet but learning. I am not loosing hardly any fluid no lites are comming on either.Does it sound like this valve is bad?
It doesnt lock up on its on it does it when I apply the brakes. I had to be towed and the guy that pulled me was a speedy nut. When I got home I had used up all the vacum of course,ever since the brakes were very soft and didnt work the same.I have tried to bleed them and it dont help. The valve with the 2 units on top of it that go to the back is wet with fluid (think it is for abs dont know for sure).This must be some kind of by-pass,seems like the one brake is getting all ths pressure. Not very good at brake systems yet but learning. I am not loosing hardly any fluid no lites are comming on either.Does it sound like this valve is bad?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Where is this part located? Just below the master cylinder? What year is your van? I had one that leaked but it was a rusty brake line that had rotted out. I replaced the brake line then it was fine. I don't THINK it has anything to do with your back brake locking up. Good luck. Someone else will probably be able to help you out.
-Matt
-Matt
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern California
Aside from mechanical problems (springs and the likes) the only other reason I can think of is that your brake shoes are contaminated with oil or brake fluid. If the wheel cylinders are leaking, that might allow brake fluid to get on your brake shoes. Otherwise, it could be the seal on the axle allowing gear oil to get on the brake shoes. In any case, you must pull the drums to find out. And yes, I had brakes lock up on me once before, and it was caused by wheel bearing grease when the seal failed. It was very bad, one slight touch to the brake pedal and the whole thing locked up immediately.
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Brake fluid on your RABS (anti-lock) valve body sounds like your dump valve is stuck open. This causes both the spongy pedal you feel and after a while can allow fluid to leak out of the accumulation chamberr to the outside. Here is a link that can help you diagnose this problem. It may be a little too technical but go to the section where it tells you how to use a strightened paper clip to test the RABS valve. http://www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf69936.htm
The rear brake lock up is worrisome. Since it is only on one side, it is likely you have something loose (a broken retractor spring) that is allowing one (or both) shoes to remain in contact with the drum after brake application. A rusty brake cylinder can also cause a shoe to stick. If this is the case and your RABS valve is similarly bad from moisture contamination in the brake system, you are in serious trouble as you will continue to have problems down the road.
The rear brake lock up is worrisome. Since it is only on one side, it is likely you have something loose (a broken retractor spring) that is allowing one (or both) shoes to remain in contact with the drum after brake application. A rusty brake cylinder can also cause a shoe to stick. If this is the case and your RABS valve is similarly bad from moisture contamination in the brake system, you are in serious trouble as you will continue to have problems down the road.
Last edited by aerocolorado; Mar 29, 2004 at 01:08 PM.
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From: northern mn
Thank you for your replys guys I have it in side drying out, I will be tearing it apart in the morning. If and when I figure it out I will post back and let you know. I was wrong there is a ele plug on the second valve(rabs valve) same type of plug as ths MAF
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From: northern mn
aerocolorado It was that RABSvalve. When I tested it, It would push wire out about 1/4 inch or a bit more,fluid in it also.Now to buy it is some thing else(155$+45$core charge) it may take awhile to find,but I am looking for a used one.Have to travel away from here to find one no bone yards around here have it.
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Yendor, thanks for the follow up reply, it is always nice to know what the problems are for future reference. Some of the online boneyards such as Junkyard dog and Nordstroms will ship to you at reasonable prices.
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From: PNW
One thing you might want to consider when you have the brake system apart is checking both wheel cylinders. My old Maverick (may it rest in peace) used to lock up a rear wheel when one of the wheel cylinders was frozen. The wheel that would lock up was the one that wasn't frozen and was doing all the work in the back.
