Brakes Stuck - Won't Release

[rod67]

I bought a beat up 1993 Sierra 1500 4WD. After a recent panic stop the left rear drum won't release. This is not parking brake related since the previous owner cut that cable (probably had the same problem). Any ideas???

 

THANKS!

[ruggedlife]

start with a full break fluid flush. then probably need to replace the rear wheel cylinders

[rod67]

Sorry - I neglected to mention that both wheel cylinders and 1 brake line (other side) are less than a year old. The other line is a little older replacement.

 

Thanks!

[nickvrebel]

simple enough, just pull the wheel and brake shoe and see why. it may take some work to get the drum off, but it will come. it almost sounds like perhaps a spring gave out or something fell apart inside the drum to wedge itself in the brake lining and it's just stuck. you can easily get a "brake hardware set" from auto part stores to replace all of the springs and such in there.

[txab]

simple enough, just pull the wheel and brake shoe and see why. it may take some work to get the drum off, but it will come. it almost sounds like perhaps a spring gave out or something fell apart inside the drum to wedge itself in the brake lining and it's just stuck. you can easily get a "brake hardware set" from auto part stores to replace all of the springs and such in there.

+1

It's the only way to know what's going on. Several things that can break in there that would allow the linings to be wedged against the drum. While you're fixing that, you might flush again just to see if the wheel cylinder is clear.

[GPSilverado]

simple enough, just pull the wheel and brake shoe and see why. it may take some work to get the drum off, but it will come. it almost sounds like perhaps a spring gave out or something fell apart inside the drum to wedge itself in the brake lining and it's just stuck. you can easily get a "brake hardware set" from auto part stores to replace all of the springs and such in there.

+1

It's the only way to know what's going on. Several things that can break in there that would allow the linings to be wedged against the drum. While you're fixing that, you might flush again just to see if the wheel cylinder is clear.

 

 

 

And another thought, try loosening the bleeder screw on the wheel that is locked up. If it frees up, then you have a problem elsewhere. Don't drive it this way though. I'm sure you wouldn't try, but thought I should at least say it.

[rod67]

THanks guys!

 

Came out this morning and brake fluid was running down the drive. Guess the cylinder is shot, I'm thinking the heat build up cooked it.

 

It'll be a few days before I have the chance to tear it apart but I'll post what I find.

Again thanks!

 

simple enough, just pull the wheel and brake shoe and see why. it may take some work to get the drum off, but it will come. it almost sounds like perhaps a spring gave out or something fell apart inside the drum to wedge itself in the brake lining and it's just stuck. you can easily get a "brake hardware set" from auto part stores to replace all of the springs and such in there.

+1

It's the only way to know what's going on. Several things that can break in there that would allow the linings to be wedged against the drum. While you're fixing that, you might flush again just to see if the wheel cylinder is clear.

 

 

 

And another thought, try loosening the bleeder screw on the wheel that is locked up. If it frees up, then you have a problem elsewhere. Don't drive it this way though. I'm sure you wouldn't try, but thought I should at least say it.