71 rear drum brake sticking?

[maddog1331]

It has been a LONG time since I have done anything brakewise other than replacing pads. My 71 has been making a groaning type sound sometimes when I start off as if the brake is sticking. Seems to be pretty hot when I take it out and then park it back at the house. And no, the emergency brake isn't on :P

Is it usually the brake cylinder (or whatever you call it) in the rear causing the problem? It has new brakes all the way around, it was doing this before the brake job (I did not have time to do the brake job so had it done elsewhere, so have not inspected the work).

Any input is apprecaited

[KcLevi]

E-brake isnt on or is it? Just because you had it released does not mean its not sticking. Its a series of cables and these things are old. Check and see if theres alot of slack on cable going to rear left or right wich ever is sticking.

[hayhauler71]

Is it possible that your brakes are adjusted to tight, leaking wheel cylinder, park cable stuck on, chatter from shoes rubbing on rusted backing plate with no lube on shoe pads, worn out or missing brake hardware, drums out of spec, poor finish on drums surface. Any other ideas anyone?

[maddog1331]

Hey, thanks for all the ideas guys. I don't think it is the E-brake sticking, but you never know. I would think the guys doing the brake job would (if it were sticking) have had to make sure it released. I have not used it since and it is still doing it. Still, I will check that, and thanks!

I'll check the adjustment also, and if still no luck will tear into it and start replacing things.

Thanks for all the input, I appreciate it!

[71tahoe]

Is it both sides? Could be the rear hose. Heard this could happen but never experienced it. Expands enough to allow fluid through and then holds pressure on the cylinders.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

COULD BE A BAD WHEEL BEARING ALSO. time for maintence.I,d pull both sides down and pull axles out. when it went back together i,d know it would get me out and back 4 sure......

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by 71tahoe

Is it both sides? Could be the rear hose. Heard this could happen but never experienced it. Expands enough to allow fluid through and then holds pressure on the cylinders.

If your adjustments are correct then check the brake hosees. It happened to me on my 69.

Look at the rubber brake hose on top of the rear axle passenger side. Mine was so swollen insde that as 71tahoe says it allowed pressure from my power booster towards the brakes but the spring tension on the brakes was not enough to allow an instant return.

After a few hours or so, they would work fine until the next time I stepped on the brakes.

[mclairmo]

Backing plates also wear grooves into them that may catch a shoe and prevent smooth retraction.

[rwolf9653]

I had an 81 chevy that had bad e-brake cables. I would have to pull the handle and reach underneath the truck and pull on the cable at the same time. Try this and see if you can get the cable to move after you release the parking brake. If you can move it replace the cables.