My rear brakes lock up in the rain and when the rear end is wet. I have rear abs only. everything works groovy in the heat. I've stomped on the pedal 9dry weather) coming down dirt hills 4x4ing and to avoid a deer, and the rear doesn't lock. I washed the rear end, axle and inside the rear wheels the other day, and the rear end locked up (weather was warm/dry). I checked the wiring at the wheel sensor on the diff and everything looks good.

Could water be getting into the wiring and be causing the rear brakes to lock?

How does the wheel sensor work?

Does it send an electrical pulse when the wheels turn that may be getting grounded out by the moisture, making the braking system think the wheels have stopped turning?


Hunting season is here and I don't want the rear wheels locking up coming down a sloppy or snowy hill.... could cause some serious body work.

Thanks, Rick

 

This seems to be a common problem, I would replace the shoes with high quality ones, turn drums if needed. If the RABS system had a problem you would get a RABS light.

 

I can easily answer that question, have had this problem with 2 cars we had. You have brake fluid leaking on your tires. Check your wheel cylinders back there. Also check the brake lines. That should be the only problem. Good luck!

 

>This seems to be a common problem, I would replace the shoes
>with high quality ones, turn drums if needed. If the RABS
>system had a problem you would get a RABS light.

Thanks Ken,
there was a TSB posted in '96 regarding the 9" and 10" brake drums. The TSB states that there is a problem with the rear brakes locking when cold or wet. Exactly the problem with mine. I'll have the drums turned and install some high quality shoes.

Rick