Right rear brake locking up.

[73chgrSE]

I just put the new front shocks on. Now upon the first test drive I noticed that (at low speeds atleast) my brakes are locking up at 1/2 to 2/3rds pedal. Whats up with that.

I locked 'em up on some concrete so I could see which wheel left the darkest mark. It's the right rear which has drums, and when I park it after a cruise it smells burning like from that wheel. Advise?

[RD]

your adjuster may need to be loosened.  it usually self-adjusts, I would pull the right rear tire off and drum and inspect the hardware.  your adjuster may be full of brake dust and not wanting to self adjust OR the emergency brake cable is binding up somewhere, check along the cable to make sure there is smooth, unobstructed operation.

[73chgrSE]

Thanks. Could it be the wheel cylinder? Mine friend mentioned that, i'm not too familiar with drum brakes but I see that part in the haynes book.

[Musicman]

Yes, wheel cylinders can freeze up...

[RallyeMike]

Did you take the drum off and look at it? Could be a bad axle seal leaking onto the pads of either side.

[73chgrSE]

I've worked on it alittle this week and the first thing i noticed was the wheel cylinders did need to be replaced. they were both ragged and split rubber cups leaking alittle. Replaced both and bled the lines. Inspected all springs and cleaned it up, everything looks normal and acts normal. Test drove it and had no problem for the first 4 miles or so. When it got up to temp it still locks up that right rear with only 1/2 pedal. shoes have plenty pad left both sides even. advise?

[RallyeMike]

So it seems to be ok at first, and then get worse? Then I would try these:

1. I assume the pads were also replaced? Once they get oiled or brake fluid on them it's all over. They can get grabby at different temps with foreign material in the pad. Clean the hell out of the drums too.

2. As RD suggested... are they adjusted or adjusting evenly?  If the adjusters are set up wrong or one is screwed up it can cause uneven braking right to left. Once you think youve checked the set up, adjust them to even right and left: With wheels off, adjust each brake until barely rubbing the drums and then back off each very slightly the same amount. Drive it around a few miles with some backing-up included, take off the wheels and recheck that they are still evenly adjusted.

[68chargerboy]

check the parking brake strut its most likely the problem.  it should be a bar located above the hub with a bow in it.  the bow should be facing out.  alot of times when drums are redun its put on backwards so it rubs on the backing plate, hence locking up.  any  q's just ask.  i do alot of drum brakes

                 Zach

[charger_mike75]

I had the same problem with my charger, I found the problem to be a frozen E-brake cable.