dz187

My pedal seems very soft at first and doesnt actually begin braking until I press it about halfway down. Once I hit that point the pedal is firm and seems to brake normally, but the drums are very, very squeaky. Sometimes the rear right will randomly lock up at low speeds with only slight pressure on the pedal. Pumping the pedal with the engine off will make it firmer and will hold that pressure if I leave my foot there. E-Brake holds very well, I cant move the truck even when in gear and reving.

After driving for about an hour I noticed there was a bit of resistance when taking off from a stoplight. Almost felt like I was trying to drive over a speedbump but once I got moving it felt fine. The truck has new pads and shoes that were professionally installed so I assume they were installed correctly. The truck then sat for two years after the engine went out so I'm not sure if water or air could have got in the lines... any ideas?

Justinvd

You brake system is sealed, so unless someone sabatoged your truck there should be no reason for there to be air in the lines .THe description you gave is pretty vague so the best way is to just start eliminating possibilities Start with checking your fluid resevoir, is the fluid level ok? then take your rear drums off and inspect the rear brakes, they could be rusty and just need some cleaning. Also your star wheel adjuster could be out of wack so check that too. A soft pedal could be a few things like Worn MC or brakes out of adjustment. Sticking brakes can be the booster out of adjustment, like if you had your MC off lately, or sometimes you can get swollen brake lines and it doesna allow the pressure to move back. Sounds like you problem is maybe the springs are worn and rusty. Pull thopse back drums off and take a peek.