by fatkid on Sun Oct 17, 2010 2:04 amThe right rear brake on my van "chirps" when braking (kind of a chirpy, squeaky noise). Lately I have been having problems with that same wheel engaging first under hard braking. In fact, it locks up completely before full pedal on the brake. I pulled the wheel and drum, replaced the wheel cylinder that seemed to be leaky and rebled all the lines and the problem still exists. Its really aggrivating and I can't pin it down. Any ideas?
Rear drum brakes chirping?
fatkid- Number of posts: 45
Location: AZ
Registration date: 2010-09-17
chester42- Number of posts: 339
Location: Homosassa,FLA
Age: 69
Registration date: 2009-04-06
The linings may be contaminated with brake fluid and should be replaced,
southern man- Number of posts: 450
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Age: 59
Registration date: 2008-05-21
I remember having this same problem with a car I had 30+ years ago. Seems like it was a wheel seal, but it could have been a leaking wheel cylinder. I just can't remember.
You need to first be sure you've isolated the correct problem, but chester is right. Once the linings have been contaminated they need to be replaced or you'll never be totally rid of this issue. But find the culprit first, or you'll have to replace them twice.
You need to first be sure you've isolated the correct problem, but chester is right. Once the linings have been contaminated they need to be replaced or you'll never be totally rid of this issue. But find the culprit first, or you'll have to replace them twice.
EconoUSAparts- Number of posts: 1473
Location: Ft Thomas,Ky
Registration date: 2008-05-17
Is it adjusted correctly? Is the anti chirping spring missing off the drum? Did you inspect the other side too? Maybe its not engaging correcty and thats why this one locks up first. I agree thats its possibly the shoes also but you really need to check all 4 wheels before you go replacing parts. Hows the drum look? Any stress cracks or heat discolorations? Lots of things can affect good braking. Check all the springs also.
RodStRace
RodStRace- Number of posts: 1650
Location: Chino Valley
Registration date: 2010-01-21
Drum brake diagnosis is becoming a lost art.
You also have multiple issues.
Chrips are usually due to the shoes not pressing smoothly on the drum. This can be hard spots in the drum, a bent axle or backing plate, or other bent components causing the shoes to move or twist when against the drum.
Engaging first and more is something different. Check the adjustment at all 4 corners, and make sure the components are the same size and installed the same on both rear. Leading shoe is the same, wheel cylinder is the same bore, same hardware and age? After all this has been checked, there may be other issues, let us know what you find.
You also have multiple issues.
Chrips are usually due to the shoes not pressing smoothly on the drum. This can be hard spots in the drum, a bent axle or backing plate, or other bent components causing the shoes to move or twist when against the drum.
Engaging first and more is something different. Check the adjustment at all 4 corners, and make sure the components are the same size and installed the same on both rear. Leading shoe is the same, wheel cylinder is the same bore, same hardware and age? After all this has been checked, there may be other issues, let us know what you find.
fatkid- Number of posts: 45
Location: AZ
Registration date: 2010-09-17
Wow, thanks for all of the replies. I don't think the linings have been contaminated. The wheel cylinder had some seepage, but not enough to actually get on the linings. I would believe that the wheel isn't adjusting properly. When I replaced the wheel cylinder, I felt like the self adjusting system wasn't quite right. maybe the PO messed this up, I am not sure. What is an "anti chirping spring", and what does it look like? Does anyone have a good diagram of the brake system? I have been afraid to pay for a reprinted service guide for fear that its a poor quality photocopy.
An all drum brake system is new to me and I never had any issues with any of my disc brake vehicles. The brake components look good. New springs and liners and the drums look to have been turned. No discolorations or cracks either. If I don't jam on the pedal, I can stop just fine. If I get on it, the right rear locks and I skid, even at low speeds. Either that wheel is working correctly and the others aren't, or, all of the others are fine and that one is engaging early. Frustrating...
An all drum brake system is new to me and I never had any issues with any of my disc brake vehicles. The brake components look good. New springs and liners and the drums look to have been turned. No discolorations or cracks either. If I don't jam on the pedal, I can stop just fine. If I get on it, the right rear locks and I skid, even at low speeds. Either that wheel is working correctly and the others aren't, or, all of the others are fine and that one is engaging early. Frustrating...
EconoUSAparts- Number of posts: 1473
Location: Ft Thomas,Ky
Registration date: 2008-05-17
Looks like this but not all drums have them
http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/just-for-fun-f35/identify-this-t16533.htm
http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/just-for-fun-f35/identify-this-t16533.htm
toad- Number of posts: 345
Location: ohio
Age: 32
Registration date: 2010-05-30
My Gremlin had a right rear brake that would lock up before the others. Turned out to be and egg-shaped drum. Replaced it and the problem went away.
fatkid- Number of posts: 45
Location: AZ
Registration date: 2010-09-17
That makes sense, I'll look into that as well. I was trying to avoid buying two new rear drums, but I may have to. Thanks.
fatkid- Number of posts: 45
Location: AZ
Registration date: 2010-09-17
Rodstrace-
I am going to pull everything off and inspect each wheel (ugh) to see whats up. I was hoping I could hold off until I converted to disks, but, I can't drive it like this. Thanks.
I am going to pull everything off and inspect each wheel (ugh) to see whats up. I was hoping I could hold off until I converted to disks, but, I can't drive it like this. Thanks.
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts: 5627
Location: San Diego, California
Registration date: 2008-05-12
Switch drums and see if problem follows the drum,,,,,,see that the self adjusters are on the correct sides,,,,,,,and check and see that the shorter primary shoes on each wheel, are on the side closer to the front bumper
fatkid- Number of posts: 45
Location: AZ
Registration date: 2010-09-17
Switching the drums is a GREAT idea! I would have never thought of that, you guys are the best!
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts: 5627
Location: San Diego, California
Registration date: 2008-05-12
fatkid- Number of posts: 45
Location: AZ
Registration date: 2010-09-17
You sir, are a scholar and a gentleman.
Is this an original service manual or a reprint? The reason I ask is because the quality seems very nice. I have been avoiding purchasing reprints for fear that they are just photocopies of an original.
Is this an original service manual or a reprint? The reason I ask is because the quality seems very nice. I have been avoiding purchasing reprints for fear that they are just photocopies of an original.
donivan65- Governor
- Number of posts: 5627
Location: San Diego, California
Registration date: 2008-05-12
But look at the primary shoes 1st,,,,,,,REAL EASY to put 2 primary shoes on one side and 2 Secondary shoes on the other side,,,,,,you need a big shoe and a little shoe on each wheel,,,,,,,,,
