Author Topic: brakes locking up???  (Read 4006 times)

Offline kfoz

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brakes locking up???
« on: September 02, 2009, 06:00:29 pm »
My '78 Silvy acts like one of the brakes is locked up. I just finished installing my rebuilt TH350 and low and behold it doesn't want to move too much. Tje truck has been sitting for roughly 2 years. Is it typical for any of the brakes to sieze up in that time?

I know it's not the trans so I assume I have a FRONT brake issue. The rears spin just fine in gear up on jack stands!
kfoz (kfoz@comcast.net)
'73 C20 4 Speed 2WD

Offline Lt.Del

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2009, 06:09:07 pm »
Jack up the front and see what wheel it is.  That would be the next step.

If it is a caliper locking up, remove the two allen wrench bolts on the back side and remove the caliper and replace it.

sittin two years, you probably have other issues as well.  Flush the entire master cyclinder out and put new fluid in and see if it bleeds out of all four bleeder screws. 

Offline kfoz

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2009, 09:23:08 pm »
Yeah, I figured I may have to do all that. These OLD trucks are such a pain sometimes! Just when you think you have it ALL DONE, something else comes up !  As I say sometimes, OH WELL, WHAT THE heck!

Some good news though; after replacing the rear main and pan gasket, NO LEAKS after running it for 30 minutes! Hopefully it will stay that way for a while!

Also, I need a FACTORY detent cable(passing gear cable) if anyone has a GOOD one. Mine broke in half at the end that fits into the transmission! I bought a NEW one from O'Reillys and it is 5 1/2" LONGER than the factory one!  HELP!!!!
kfoz (kfoz@comcast.net)
'73 C20 4 Speed 2WD

Online VileZambonie

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2009, 09:44:29 pm »
Your detent cable should be adjustable and have a spacer included
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Offline kfoz

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2009, 07:37:28 am »
On the NEW detent there is a metal tab with a spring underneath it. I assume this is an adjustment?  If so, I'm not sure how to adjust it.
kfoz (kfoz@comcast.net)
'73 C20 4 Speed 2WD

Online VileZambonie

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2009, 10:21:36 am »
Lift up on the lock tab. Push the plunger rearward toward the firewall and lock it back down. Then open the throttle to WOT and there's your preliminary adjustment.
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Offline rick_c

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #6 on: September 19, 2009, 11:25:13 pm »
On the brake issue...

While they are locked...crack the bleeders on the calipers one at a time.
If the caliper unlocks, replace the rubber brake hose on that side.
I work at autozone and it happens all the time...I always have to do returns on calipers because people that call themselves mechanics dont know how to troubleshoot before they start replacing parts...sorry had to rant...it drives me nuts.
If the bleeder doesnt release the caliper; the caliper is bad. Good time to do your wheel bearings also since its been sitting for a long time.

good luck

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2009, 02:46:06 am »
Good time to do your wheel bearings also since its been sitting for a long time.
hummmmmm sound like one of there point programs are wearring off on ya don't forget your anti squeak lube.
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Offline rick_c

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Re: brakes locking up???
« Reply #8 on: September 20, 2009, 10:46:35 pm »
Thats funny...I thought that right after I posted it