Rear drum locking up
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Rear drum locking up
More noticable in the rain, but also on dry pavement lately. Had a somewhat sqirly situation yesterday and figured one warning was more than enough to dive into the problem. There was a leak at one of the axle seals recently and I think its the same side thats jambing on me lately so oil has probably contaminated the brake lining. I also noticed that the powdercoat finish on the backing was wrinkled from heat.
I tried adjusting both sides and inspected them for faults but after that there was still no change in performance and a brisk stopping still results in a single rear wheel skid. Passenger side if that makes any difference.
Is this a case of simply having to throw the shoes away and get new ones? I think I heard of some one else having a problem like this too, but I wanted some opinions before I go out and spend money on new brakes.
I tried adjusting both sides and inspected them for faults but after that there was still no change in performance and a brisk stopping still results in a single rear wheel skid. Passenger side if that makes any difference.
Is this a case of simply having to throw the shoes away and get new ones? I think I heard of some one else having a problem like this too, but I wanted some opinions before I go out and spend money on new brakes.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I have noticed the organic replacement for the asbestos in the brake linings swells up when it absorbs moisture.
Just use the brakes carefully the first few applications, the heat cooks the moisture out of the lining and all is back to normal.
Until it sits overnight again, then you have to repeat the process.
Just use the brakes carefully the first few applications, the heat cooks the moisture out of the lining and all is back to normal.
Until it sits overnight again, then you have to repeat the process.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 919
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From: Newberg Oregon
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Cables are crap and replacements out there are even worse. It seems that all the stores only carry Raybestos and those strip the cable coating on the first hard application resulting in a bind. If anyone can recomment a good brand, I would love to hear it because I'm at my wits end when it comes to E-brake cables.
Dave, I agree with you about moisture being a problem. Thats simply a fact of life in my climate but what I've been experiencing doesn't go away after the first application. It was repeatable through out a normal driving cycle. Any yellow light event would result in a rear lockup.
I've replaced the shoes and the probem seems to be gone now. Brakes are not quite as strong now, but I'm hoping to see some improvement as they seat in the drums. If not, I'll try adjusting them in a couple weeks.
Dave, I agree with you about moisture being a problem. Thats simply a fact of life in my climate but what I've been experiencing doesn't go away after the first application. It was repeatable through out a normal driving cycle. Any yellow light event would result in a rear lockup.
I've replaced the shoes and the probem seems to be gone now. Brakes are not quite as strong now, but I'm hoping to see some improvement as they seat in the drums. If not, I'll try adjusting them in a couple weeks.
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I've been having a pretty decent luck with AutoZone cables, they are made in the USA believe it or not, at least they were last summer when I got mine. Tho I realize this info is of little use to you and the rest of our Canadian friends... And don't wait to adjust the brakes, several trips should be plenty for them to seat on the drums, so tighten them up soon. I actually don't have the self-adjusters no more, I got tired of one side tightening up more than it should, and the other side loosening up, I removed the small cables inside the drums and now manually adjust my brakes every so often.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Mi'kma'ki
I've been having a pretty decent luck with AutoZone cables, they are made in the USA believe it or not, at least they were last summer when I got mine. Tho I realize this info is of little use to you and the rest of our Canadian friends... And don't wait to adjust the brakes, several trips should be plenty for them to seat on the drums, so tighten them up soon. I actually don't have the self-adjusters no more, I got tired of one side tightening up more than it should, and the other side loosening up, I removed the small cables inside the drums and now manually adjust my brakes every so often.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Its not the assembly of them or who assembles them, its the materials they use that shear off the cable and bind against the lining of the outer case.
Among the aftermarket brands, which ones are you guys using? Its possible I might be able to find one of them by request but I don't know which ones are good. Dave, did your cables actually say "ford" on them? I wonder if those are available on by special order at my location.
Ordering online is also risky because I found there can sometimes be difference sizes in the same wheelbase of truck. There shouldn't be, but I ran into that problem with the ranger and had to go back and exchange them.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,900
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
I tried using silicone lube in a can, and also gear oil on two separate occasions and niether made much difference. The silicone spray seemed to work slightly better. The plastic coating was because they were too cheap to use stainless steel cable so it had to be rust protected some how. Evedently even the proper plastic was too expensive
I'm starting to think I should just try and build my own considering the cost of new ones. I know SS cable is easy to get, but where to get the case......hmm, here we go again....
Whats dumb is the OEM cables are not that bad and used a different plastic coating on them that didn't shear off as easily. My Dad's GMC never had problems with the brake cables and we've never had to replace any of them.
Some quick googling turns up some aftermarket cables that are SS. Might be worth a closer look.
I'm starting to think I should just try and build my own considering the cost of new ones. I know SS cable is easy to get, but where to get the case......hmm, here we go again....
Whats dumb is the OEM cables are not that bad and used a different plastic coating on them that didn't shear off as easily. My Dad's GMC never had problems with the brake cables and we've never had to replace any of them.
Some quick googling turns up some aftermarket cables that are SS. Might be worth a closer look.
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