This morning I went to pull out of my driveway, & the truck wouldn't move. It wasn't the powertrain/ drivetrain- it was like the tires were glued to the pavement. Something similar has hapened before: after giving it some RMPS's there's like a "break free" sound (kinda like when you crack loose a bolt) then it's fine. This usually hapens when it's not driven for a few days (which is the case this time). I was in a hurry for work this morning, so I didn't give it too much gas or try too hard, i just left it & took my other car. What exactly could it be? I'm not very familiar with drum brakes/ emergency brake systems. Is this a common issue? What should I do to A.) break it free this time & B.) ensure that this doesn't hapen in the future? Note: the e-brake works well (ie: when it's engaged, the truck won't roll, even on a steep driveway)

HELP!!!

Thanks!

 

not sure what this would be but Im thinking tranny honestly. have you had a hard time shifting gears? does the clutch slip as your trying to break it free? or is the clutch maybe sticking?

 

If it has been wet, it might be the rear brake shoes rusting to the brake drum with the e-brake applied. That will give that sort of symptom. Might try parking next time with the e-brake off (block the wheels if worried about rolling) and see if it rolls easy after a few days parked.

 

2X ^^ that be my guess.

 

X3. I agree with Roger on this one. I used to work on a car lot, and after some time, the brakes on our vehicles would stick due to rust.

 

i believe that- like i said, it's hapened before, & the truck has been sitting for 3 days this time with the e-vrake on, it's also been rainy/ wet & failry humid/ not cold. I'll keep that in mind.

The issue is- how do i get the darn thing to free up this time so i can drive it? How do i break it loose? I didn't force it too much this morning because i didn't want run into my garage door if it broke loose, or into the street (in reverse)

How do i knock it loose?

 

Just try and rock it a bit. Maybe change the rear shoes to semi-metallic rather than metallic. That might be part of your issue.

 

i'll try rockin' it

any other suggestions to get it broken loose this time? how 'bout penetrating oil/ wd40 to use? if so, where would i put it exactly?

 

I would not recommend using that on brakes...

Just put it in low range.

 

Might pull the drums and see if there is a lot of dirt/brake dust/rust build-up inside, if so clean w/ brake cleaner and a wire brush. Also lube up the moving parts of the e-brake mechanism and also check the brake shoe adjustment. Also check the brake shoe condition, them may be worn down.

 

ok- i'll try the brake parts cleaner

one more thing- the e-brake handle disengages with a normal feel, the handle itself is not jammed, does that make a difference?

 

Well there is a lot of stuff between the handle and the brake drums. Handle and cable up front, then the spring loaded lever in front of the gas tank, then the rear cable to the axle then the side cables to each actuator. So make sure it is all releasing.

 

how about engaging 4x4 & trying to drive? do i risk damaging anything by doing that?

 

It may be leaking axel seals. look at your shoes/drums, is there any gear oil on the brakes? I think gear oil can be like glue when it soaks brake shoes.

 

Well do you have manual hubs? I would assume you do. You can put it in 4L without locking the hubs just to get it to move. I would not lock the hubs and go very far on dry pavement. Not good for the drive train. I run around the yard in 4L a lot with the hubs unlocked just to go slow and not tear up the yard. So I'm not really in 4L just 2L

 

yes, manual hubs. I'm just tryng to get the darn thing broken free this one time. i should have paid more attention to it last time it hapened after sitting for a day & a half (it was hard enough to get it to move then) this time it's been sitting 3 days so it's goign to considerably harder.

 

Well if you are just going to move about a wee bit locking the hubs just to break loose will/should not hurt anything. Tight turns will but if you just lock it up and put it in 4L you "should" be alright.

 

I left mine on hard (on a hill here) between September and December last year and while it did stretch the parking brake cable, it was barely stuck. We're in a wet climate, similar I would think to Everett, Wash.

 

thanks for the advice all! i got home, warmed the truck up for about 10min, then tried gently moving it forward or backward, then i put it in reverse & floored it, it took some power, then i literally felt the rear brakes break loose. I drove it around for awhile & parked it on the street so i won't need to use the e-brake, & next time i do i'll make sure & move it a few feet back & forth once a day just to be safe. it's the wet & muggy weather, i think humidity does it. i dont really want to open up or replace the rear brakes since they still work great.