Author Topic: Brakes locking (Read 1684 times)

bakerone · « **on:** December 10, 2004, 07:00:54 pm »

I have an old Buick Century 1994 dont laugh it runs great . When I apply the brakes the back ones seem to lock up before the front brakes. I checked the back brakes lots of linnning left on them. Do you think I might have air in the front disk brakes? Would it be good to bleed the front to see if there is air in them. Do you think it would help

regards Peter

Sterling · « **Reply #1 on:** December 10, 2004, 08:06:31 pm »

Do the front wheels take too long to lock or do the rear wheels lock too soon? Premature rear wheel lock-up can happen when the rear axle seals fail and oil gets on the brake shoes. You need to pull off the drums and make sure it's dry in there.

bakerone · « **Reply #2 on:** December 10, 2004, 08:19:58 pm »

Sterling thanks for the tip I have pulled the drums off and everything is dry no problem there any further suggestions would be appreciated

barrie1 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2004, 12:43:56 am »

Did you check the rear adjusters when you were in there. Check that your emergency brake is not hanging up just a wee bit as well. Dosen't take much to feel the difference.

ericthejet · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2004, 10:51:29 am »

Return springs in place? Go get a hardware kit form Crappy tire and a can of brake parts cleaner and do a quick tuneup on the rear drums. Chance are they need some TLC. Also try to rid the internals of the rear brakes of as much rust as possible. Make sure all the required parts are moving freely as well.

articsteve · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2004, 03:34:20 pm »

Like everyone else says. You do not have a problem with the fronts.

You need to back off the adjusters on each rear brake. The little wheel. Free it up with WD40 and fiddle with it either way and you will see which way is "backing off". All it does is moves the shoes further towards the drum or away from the drum.

A new "spring kit" is a good idea and they are fairly cheap. Usually you need a special tool and only do one wheel at a time because you will need a wheel for reference. Although, you might not want to get into all that if it is not necessary.

Generally speaking, I find most cars with drum brakes on the rear are not even contacting so the vehicle is pretty well just stopping on the front disc/rotors.

barrie1 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2004, 03:46:50 pm »

I find one of the secrets of keeping your rear brakes working in tip top order is to use the emergency brake as it keeps the small parts in there running in good order. It also helps keep the lubricants in there more able to serve the area's where needed as well. A hardware kit might be required and is only around $15. to $20. for each wheel.

bakerone · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2004, 05:21:09 pm »

Thanks to all you guys out there it really is nice to see people with advice. I will go and try some of your solutions ......wish me luck

regards Peter