89 Rear Brake Lock up - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rod_Lei · 11-15-2012, 10:54 AM

Hey guys, I done went and wrecked my 88 C2500 350 and ended up buying an 89 C1500 350. The new truck, Janie, has been receiving donor parts out the wazoo.

I have noticed that my rear drum brakes will lock up while I'm driving, like smoke everywhere and the wonderful scent of burnt clutch. The first time I noticed anything I parked it and left it because I had a class to get to. Fast forward to next morning. Jack up the truck, pull off the driverside rear wheel, drum slides right off. Nothing weird. Passenger side, not so easy to get off, but it comes. This one has a leaking cylinder and I think the axle seal leaks too. I adjusted both of the brakes down, put the wheels on, job done.

Now only the passenger side drum locks up, it will do it just whenever it feels like it. Any ideas as to what needs to be replaced/rebuilt? And can I use parts from my 6-lug C2500 to this 5-lug C1500? Or are the drums totally different?

Thanks a lot guys!

TennesseeZ · 11-15-2012, 11:57 AM

I'd start with 2 rebuilt wheel cylinders from the local parts store, IIRC they're about $6-7 ea.

Red88 · 11-15-2012, 02:34 PM

agreed with tennesseez on the wheel cylinder, at least on the passenger side that is doing the random lockup. Leaks must be stopped, and most likely the shoes replaced as well as they may be impregnated with the fluid leaks. Turn the drum as well. Good luck!

Rod_Lei · 11-26-2012, 01:55 PM

Well this weekend I replaced the master cylinder, u joints, moved my toolbox over.
On the way home the brakes were low, but solid.
Got in the driveway, fluid all over the rear driver's side. Opened it up and there were no shoes left. I replaced the shoes and all the springs on both sides as well as the cylinder on the driver's side. I didn't have the money to get the other side:P
But drove it around after a good bleeding, brakes are solid but it still smells like burning brakes. It doesn't feel like they're grabbing.
I left it at home, I am currently at school for a couple of more weeks, I'm thinking turn the drums and get the other cylinder changed, but what else could be causing them to still be dragging?

TennesseeZ · 11-26-2012, 05:22 PM

Because you didn't turn/replace the drum. Anymore when I go to work on brakes, I buy everything. I mean everything, rotors/drums, pads/shoes, small parts kit, pretty much everything that moves. If I have anything left over I take it back.

11-15-2012, 10:54 AM	#1
Rod_Lei Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 161	89 Rear Brake Lock up Hey guys, I done went and wrecked my 88 C2500 350 and ended up buying an 89 C1500 350. The new truck, Janie, has been receiving donor parts out the wazoo. I have noticed that my rear drum brakes will lock up while I'm driving, like smoke everywhere and the wonderful scent of burnt clutch. The first time I noticed anything I parked it and left it because I had a class to get to. Fast forward to next morning. Jack up the truck, pull off the driverside rear wheel, drum slides right off. Nothing weird. Passenger side, not so easy to get off, but it comes. This one has a leaking cylinder and I think the axle seal leaks too. I adjusted both of the brakes down, put the wheels on, job done. Now only the passenger side drum locks up, it will do it just whenever it feels like it. Any ideas as to what needs to be replaced/rebuilt? And can I use parts from my 6-lug C2500 to this 5-lug C1500? Or are the drums totally different? Thanks a lot guys!

11-15-2012, 11:57 AM	#2
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: 89 Rear Brake Lock up I'd start with 2 rebuilt wheel cylinders from the local parts store, IIRC they're about $6-7 ea. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.

11-15-2012, 02:34 PM	#3
Red88 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Vancouver, WA. Posts: 64	Re: 89 Rear Brake Lock up agreed with tennesseez on the wheel cylinder, at least on the passenger side that is doing the random lockup. Leaks must be stopped, and most likely the shoes replaced as well as they may be impregnated with the fluid leaks. Turn the drum as well. Good luck! __________________ '88 K1500 Scottsdale 5.7 TBI, 5spd MG5

11-26-2012, 01:55 PM	#4
Rod_Lei Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 161	Re: 89 Rear Brake Lock up Well this weekend I replaced the master cylinder, u joints, moved my toolbox over. On the way home the brakes were low, but solid. Got in the driveway, fluid all over the rear driver's side. Opened it up and there were no shoes left. I replaced the shoes and all the springs on both sides as well as the cylinder on the driver's side. I didn't have the money to get the other side:P But drove it around after a good bleeding, brakes are solid but it still smells like burning brakes. It doesn't feel like they're grabbing. I left it at home, I am currently at school for a couple of more weeks, I'm thinking turn the drums and get the other cylinder changed, but what else could be causing them to still be dragging?

11-26-2012, 05:22 PM	#5
TennesseeZ Countdown Survivor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bean Station, East Tennessee Posts: 9,676	Re: 89 Rear Brake Lock up Because you didn't turn/replace the drum. Anymore when I go to work on brakes, I buy everything. I mean everything, rotors/drums, pads/shoes, small parts kit, pretty much everything that moves. If I have anything left over I take it back. __________________ 93 Yukon 89 Silverado Z71 SWB Sport 91 K 2500 Silverado "Lobuk-Worktruk" A MAN OF HONOR DOES NOT LIE, CHEAT, OR STEAL, NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO. Gettin' old ain't for sissies.



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