Passenger Rear Wheel Sticking

KC2010 · February 25, 2019

Hey all.

I’m new to the forum and looking for a little advice. My 2010 Sierra 1500 5.3l 4x4 with rear drum brakes is locking up the passenger side rear wheel after being parked for a couple of hours. The truck has 107,000 miles and has never had new shoes. I looked at them a couple weeks back, the shoes still have plenty of life in them. The cylinder seemed to move freely and I found I have a slight leak in my axle seal. Brake Druid level is good but has never been replaced either. After being in park for several hours, the wheel will lock up, so severely sometimes the drivers side rear wheel will spin. I cycled it into drive several times but ended up having to put the truck in 4x4 to move down the road. It seems to loosen up after applying the brakes and driving. However there seems to be a slight delay after releasing the brake pedal at stoplights. I can just feel this delay in the passenger side rear, not drivers side. The problem seems be less substantial in warmer 40 degree weather vs 10 degrees. Any help on what the issue may be is greatly appreciated.

Mikebtte · February 25, 2019

Have you tried lifting the rear end off the ground and turning by hand? A few things can cause issues. I would start by lifting the rear off the ground and spinning the tires. Could be something simple, but not if it was my truck.

NHUSA · February 25, 2019

Are you using the e-brake?

If so it could be sticking on one side.

KC2010 · February 25, 2019

I will have to lift it and spin it as I didn’t do that. I did check the parking brake and that seemed to release just fine.

NHUSA · February 25, 2019

You won't be able to tell in the e-brake handle (foot pedal) if one side is not releasing.

garagerog · February 25, 2019

KC2010, you stated that you had a slight leak in an axle seal, if it's the seal on the same side as the brake lock-up, there's your answer. Gear oil on brake shoe linings will absolutely cause the condition you're describing. Fix the axle seal, then address the shoe lining, you may be able to clean it up sufficiently for it not to grab again, if not have the drums turned and install new brake shoes on both rear wheels.

sefiroxx · February 25, 2019

And check axle to ensure it is not bent.

carnau · February 26, 2019

8 hours ago, KC2010 said:

Hey all.

I’m new to the forum and looking for a little advice. My 2010 Sierra 1500 5.3l 4x4 with rear drum brakes is locking up the passenger side rear wheel after being parked for a couple of hours. The truck has 107,000 miles and has never had new shoes. I looked at them a couple weeks back, the shoes still have plenty of life in them. The cylinder seemed to move freely and I found I have a slight leak in my axle seal. Brake Druid level is good but has never been replaced either. After being in park for several hours, the wheel will lock up, so severely sometimes the drivers side rear wheel will spin. I cycled it into drive several times but ended up having to put the truck in 4x4 to move down the road. It seems to loosen up after applying the brakes and driving. However there seems to be a slight delay after releasing the brake pedal at stoplights. I can just feel this delay in the passenger side rear, not drivers side. The problem seems be less substantial in warmer 40 degree weather vs 10 degrees. Any help on what the issue may be is greatly appreciated.

If this only happens when the truck is sitting for a few hours it will not be the parking brake (unless you press the parking brake every time you get out of the vehicle) It will not be a bent axle because if that were the case it would do it all the time no matter the amount of time it sat. I know you said the wheel cylinder seemed to move fine, but this is more than likely going to be the cause. It could also be the leaking axle seal which was stated above as well. That can absolutely cause this issue.

If this were my vehicle this is the repair I would go with.

1.) I would remove both Drums, take them to your local Orileys, advanced, autozone ect and have them turn your drums and clean them with brake cleaner to remove any oil or debris. (around $10 for both)

2.) I would replace the passenger wheel cylinder. $17 ( ACDELCO https://amzn.to/2U7UsV5 ) Any time oil from the rear end or a leaking wheel seal will cause the rubber to expand and cause issues.

3.) Replace the both rear axle seals $10 ( ACDELCO https://amzn.to/2Ex9GNW ) and housing gasket $33 ( https://amzn.to/2EeiM0B ) with a reusable housing gasket (just in case you need to go back in on a later date.) And refill with Synthetic Mobil oil. $16 ( https://amzn.to/2U4bhAk )

4.) Replace the rear shoes. Any time your shoes get contaminated it is always best to replace. $48 ( https://amzn.to/2H0SfqN )

You don't want to just replace the wheel cylinder and be back with the same problems as before. So for $160 you can fix your problem, have new rear brakes, no rear end leaks, serviced rear end, and be better off than before for less than you can get the rear shoes replaced with cheap pads at your local pepboys.

Hope this helps =-)