2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission brakes

[RBratby]

when i was on my way to work today something weird was going on with my brakes. when i push the brake pedal in my e brake light came on. whats the deal. it is pretty hard to stop. i can still stop but i have to push the brake pedal to the floor. any input would be very much appreciated. thanks.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Sounds like the proportioning/differential valve has sensed a leak or low brake fluid and shut off your rear brakes. It could also be the rears out of adjustment or an internal leak in the master cylinder causing the valve to shift. Check the brake fluid level in the master cyl. first. If level is ok, then the search begins. With the engine running, depress the brake pedal, and see if it gets firm and then continues to go down until it stops. If so, probably internal leak. You can put the light out by either pumping the pedal several times without pushing hard on it or by bleeding the front brakes until it goes out(require some help). You need to also look at all wheels for evidence of leakage. bg

 

[RBratby]

well after careful inspection of the brakes i found the problem. the slave cylinder inside the drum is leaking i still have brakes and fluid but i need to get this fixed fast. what is the easiest way to get the drum off? i already backed the star wheel all the way off and it still wont come off. any help would be greatly apperciated. thanks

 

[radixr]

The face of the drum could be frozen to the face of the axle flange with rust/corrosion. Try a BFH being careful not to hit the studs. Others have jacked up the rear axle on jack stands, loosened the wheel lugs a little, get up a little wheel speed and hit the brakes to break the drum loose (if this is your problem).

 

[B.G. Smith]

Is the drum loose on the hub? If so, and you have the starwheel backed off, you might have to loosen the parking brake cable to get enough clearance for the drum to come off over the shoes. When the shoes wear the drum, it leaves a ring on the innner surface of the drum which traps the shoes. bg

 

[rrausch]

I did my brakes a month or so ago, and the drums were frozen so I put the rear end up on jack stands, removed the wheels/tires and did the old "start and stop" technique. If you do it this way be sure to put a couple of lug nuts back on the studs before you give it pedal, or you will be chasing the drums down the street. Don't ask how I know this!



Man, those drums can cause some damage when they hit people's houses!!!