i have 97 ford f150 flairside 4.2 5 speed with 168000 miles and the rear brakes are still locking up at low speed like when you come up to stop sign i took the fuse out to the abs not as bad but still not rite i have replaced the drums brake shoes sensor in the rear new caliplars and pads and rotors on front if i dont figure it out this week its getting traded in

 

It's not an ABS problem, it's just moisture causing the rear drums to be sticky.

I installed new shoes (high quality Wagners) and chamfered the leading and trailing edges of the shoe material. Fixed it.

Before that, I'd just back up a little ways with light brake pressure to dry the shoes and clean the glaze of rust off them before taking off for the day.

Steve

 

i could drive a hundred miles and they still lock up idont think its moisture but thanks

 

Did you replace the brake shoes recently?
I have seen some discussions about the longer shoe on the foward/rear side will cause a grabbing problem. I not 100% sure which goes it the front. I seen it said both ways in this forum. I just try to install them the same way the came off.
I dont want to get off the subject to much but which shoe is on the forward side?

 

Applying the brakes while moving forward don't do anything. You could drive a 1000 miles an it won't matter.

I found that driving backwards about 50 feet with the brakes lightly applied was enough to correct the problem for that day's driving.

On second thought, just sell the truck and you don't have to listen to any advice....

 

i had a similar problem and it turn out to be the wheel cylinder. Replaced them and it hasn't done it since. If you do trade it in be prepared for a wopping 1000 dollar trade in.

 

Brakes "locking up" is a mighty serious condition that could rapidly sideline a vehicle. I suspect you mean rear brakes are dragging at slow speed? Please describe the brake symptoms more thoroughly. Rear drum brakes have wheel cylinders, not "caliplars". Locked up rear brakes should quickly overheat, smoke, or ultimately cause you to skid-even on pavement.

Presuming you're sensing a lot of drag coming "up to stop" I'd suggest that you go to a lonely road, coast to a stop after running long enough to be sure the brakes should be cool & get out & check to see if the rear drums are hot. Touch each wheel or caliper. They may well be dragging at all speeds & on the verge of smoking. I'm sure you've smelled burning brakes from folks driving w/o releasing emergency brake & other failures? Coasting to a stop should reveal if brakes are dragging, if not, jack up each wheel & give it a spin by hand. Drag should be imperceptible.

You said "in the rear new caliplars" so there could be an issue of air having gotten into the opened hydraulic system. Any air inside will displace brake fluid & act much like a spring, often revealed as a soft/spongy/low brake pedal. The air will compress & expand, leaving some pressure that can overcome the required relaxing of caliper seals that allows the pads to clear the rotor properly.

 

the rear has drums when coming to a stop at slow speed like 10 15 mph when you just touch the brak pedal the rear brakes lock up

 

That is the description of "grabby" brakes that I've been trying to tell you how to fix.

Been there, done that.

Check TSBs 98-5a-23 & 98-5a-24.

 

I sorry about asking this (showing my ingorance). What is "TSBs 98-5a-23 & 98-5a-24"?

 

Thanks for the info.
TSBs = Technical Service Bulletins
I should have looked at the top of this page.
I had the same problem for a while. It quit about a week ago. The same time I put my tires on and the tire shop did a brake inspection and told me my shoes are cracked. Going to buy new ones to install. Look's like Ford has a recommendation.

 

The above referenced TSBs have been superseded. Correct TSB number should be 01-19-2 which is available on this site.

Sorry for the old number.

Steve

 

Stoned, Did you do the brakes? Or did you have them done somewhere? I'm almost positive that the primary and secondary shoes are reversed. If you look at a new set of brake shoes, you will see that one of them has the brake lining in a different position. Get yourself a Haynes repair manual and it will have some blowup diagrams of the shoes.
Rich

 

Hi all, I also have the same "grabby" problem with my '97 F150 (4.2/2 wheel drive)! Been a real pain!! I read the TSB 01-19-2 The question I now have is that it refers to a replacement brake kit "F85Z-2200-AA" I have installed new shoes and hardware already(along with everything else just about) What is the difference in these than others? just would like to know seeing they cost about $100....Thanks

 

hey i just want to thank you all for trying to help me i got rid of the truck but i did get another ford a 95 f150 short bed with a 5.0 5 speed and the brakes work thanks again