rear drum problem

[rstundra]

Drove at interstate speeds (70 mph) for an hour on Saturday and when went to stop brake pedal went almost to floor. Got out of vehicle and left rear drum hot, right rear drum was EXTREMELY hot and smoking.

Left vehicle at mechanic who pulled apart and said no problem found. Anyone here had a e-brake stick at the drum. My e-brake pedal was definetly disengaged. I think the brake was stuck on causing the brake to heat up and boil the brake fluid. Apparently, when it cooled, the brakes came back.

How tight should the e-brake cables be across the top of the axle?
What parts should I really clean that might bind up with dirt?. Thinking about adding an additional spring to the cable lever on the axle to make sure the e-brakes disengage.

Had new rear bearings put in a year ago and a complete overhaul of the rear brakes at the same time. less than 10,000 miles since, mostly around town with a few boat tows thrown in.

Any input appreciated. Scared to drive the sucker right now.

[ICON]

Parking brake sticking

This is probably the problem. But check everything in the rear drums out to make sure nothing got cooked.

[jmarch305]

is this a regular problem? i went to shop earlier this month to check a vibration. They said becuase my rear drums had gotten glazed the fronts were working harder and had warped the rotors? so i working on getting all the parts together to redo the front brakes and have the rear drums turned.

[MEvang]

Originally Posted by ICON

Parking brake sticking

This is probably the problem. But check everything in the rear drums out to make sure nothing got cooked.

I think this link hits it on the head. It is very common for the bell cranks that go through the backing plate to hang up. Check these and the attaching pins, make sure they are all free.
I would be a little concern with this shop if they found nothing wrong.
Mike

Guys, I'm going to move this to the brake forum tomorrow.

[MEvang]

Originally Posted by jmarch305

is this a regular problem? i went to shop earlier this month to check a vibration. They said becuase my rear drums had gotten glazed the fronts were working harder and had warped the rotors? so i working on getting all the parts together to redo the front brakes and have the rear drums turned.

If your drums are not warped don't have them machined. Instead just claen them up and sand the shoes and drum surface with 180 grit sand paper.
Mounting these drums properly on a lath is very difficult, they will likely machine runout into them. So if they are not warped don't take the chance.
I'd say your vibration is from the front and a rear adjustment is over due.
Mike