Rear Brakes Locking Up

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Jan 26, 2010 | 11:26 PM

RyanP0342

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Joined: Oct 2008

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Rear Brakes Locking Up

1999 F-150 5.4 v8
167,000

Recent Work
-Cleaned EGR Valve, Replaced DPFE
-Body Repair to the passenger side doors
-New COP #4 Cylinder and New Plugs
-New Front Brake Pads
-New Alternator

A month ago I started having a problem with my rear brakes locking up when I would first drive it. For about 2 blocks it does this and then goes away. Sometimes it was so bad sometimes that i would drive 20ft and then skid to a stop. It seems to get worse if i dont drive it for a day or two. Lately it has not been as bad usually just in the driveway. I thought i needed to replace the shoes but they turned out to still have plenty left on them. There are only 2 things I think that it could be but who knows. Either the piston(not sure if this is what its called) that pushes the shoes out is sticking or maybe a spring isn't pulling the shoes back or is catching. Also my ABS light has just started going off and on and now is usually always on. Dont know if this is related. I think that's probably one of the sensors.

Jan 26, 2010 | 11:52 PM

EZFEED

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Joined: Dec 2009

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Had the same problem on my XL. Do you use this truck offroad at all? Have you been traveling in dusty or flooded areas?

Sounds like you need to purge your brake system. In fact you should do this every other year or so, I do this now and never have this problem anymore.

Start at the passenger side rear and bleed the fluid out till clear being sure to check your reservoir often and fill with fresh fluid so it doesn't suck air. Pass rear 1st, drivers rear 2nd, pass front 3rd, drivers front 4th. Do them all till you get clean fluid coming out.

I'd wager to say you have globs and globs of trapped moisture, brake dust, and just general road grime. The fluid will be black and thick and you need to get that old stuff out of there before the inside of the calipers/pistons rust.

Jan 27, 2010 | 05:56 AM

torkum

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Mount Juliet, TN

Try this, pull the drums off and sand the shoes with 220 grit sandpaper and wash them off with water. This will take the heat glaze off the shoes and keep them from sticking for a while. I had to do this 2xs a year on my 98 for the same problem.

Jan 27, 2010 | 07:27 AM

fordf150farmer

Tuned

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just assuming that you have rear drums. but if you do, check your parking break cables to make sure they arent seized up. i had this happen to my ranger. bumped the e break just enough to set the breaks off and the cable to the passenger side kept locking up like you describe. un hooked it and the problem went away. flushing the breaks even if it doesnt fix the problem is a very good idea. just my.02

Jan 27, 2010 | 09:35 AM

ddrumman2004

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Joined: Nov 2004

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From: N. Mississippi

Every Ford truck I have ever owned had this problem but only on damp mornings. I thought it was just me but my oldest son stated that his 2000 F150 did the same thing.
Last time I had the brakes done on my 97 F150, I told the mechanic about the problem and he removed the drums and turned them.

Problem is just starting to return after almost 2 years.

Jan 27, 2010 | 10:43 AM

Ron W.

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From: Stockton Ca.

01-19-2***BRAKES - REAR DRUM - GRABBING DURING FIRST FEW BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHILE BRAKES ARE COLD

<TABLE border=3 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="96%"><TBODY><TR><TD bg*************** width="25%" align=middle>TSB
01-19-2
</TD><TD bg*************** width="65%" align=left>

BRAKES - REAR DRUM - GRABBING DURING FIRST FEW BRAKE APPLICATIONS WHILE BRAKES ARE COLD

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=230>FORD:
</TD><TD>1997-2000 F-150</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This article is being republished in its entirety to update the Model Year coverage. ISSUE:

A grabbing condition from the rear brakes during the first few brake applications after extended humidity exposure may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by a rear brake lining that is sensitive to humidity exposure.
ACTION:

Replace rear brake linings with revised Rear Shoe Brake Kit (F85Z-2200-AA). Refer to the appropriate model year F-150 Workshop Manual, Section 206-02 for service details.

<TABLE border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TH align=middle>PART NUMBER</TH><TH align=middle>PART NAME</TH></TR><TR><TD align=left>F85Z-2200-AA</TD><TD align=left>Rear Shoe Brake Kit</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Jan 27, 2010 | 06:23 PM

RyanP0342

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Thanks for all the great info. I live in Washington State so moisture is always an issue. I let a friend borrow my tools so I'll have to wait until this weekend to fix the problem.