HELP brakes locked up
10-16-2017, 09:37 PM
#1
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HELP brakes locked up
We changed alternator on brothers 92 W250 today and he went to take it out for test drive and it wouldn;t drive in any gear, brakes are locked up solid. I removed master cylinder cover and rear reservoir was pretty low on fluid, less than 1/2 full. Ive added fluid however truck still has locked up brakes. It drove fine before that. Previous owner has receipt for all new brakes from Les Schwab.
I wonder what could've locked up brakes like that.
I wonder what could've locked up brakes like that.
10-16-2017, 10:01 PM
#2
Sounds like something in the rear drums broke. What have you and your brother already done to diagnose? Did the brake pedal come back up, or is it stuck down at the floor? What's the emergency brake doing? Have you pulled off any front tires, or try to spin the fronts by hand at all? Which ones are locked up, fronts or rears?
Have it towed to Les Scwab and have them fix their mistake( if it turns out to be faulty installation)
Post back results, please.
Have it towed to Les Scwab and have them fix their mistake( if it turns out to be faulty installation)
Post back results, please.
10-16-2017, 10:04 PM
#3
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Im leaving on a trip tomorrow (trucking) so all the advice ill be giving to brother will be on the phone as I won't be here to help out. Sacrifices I have to make everyday.
I was going to loosen each individual bleeder and see if brake fluid comes out when brake pedal depressed. Jacking up each individual wheel to see if its locked up or not is great idea, will try that, thanks!
I was going to loosen each individual bleeder and see if brake fluid comes out when brake pedal depressed. Jacking up each individual wheel to see if its locked up or not is great idea, will try that, thanks!
10-17-2017, 08:08 AM
#4
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Last week?
Last May?
Two years ago?
10-17-2017, 08:57 AM
#5
You should have your brother join DTR, since he owns the truck, and he can address his truck issues straight to us helping folks, relieving you as the middle man.
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mknittle (10-18-2017)
10-17-2017, 10:43 AM
#6
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How long have you owned the truck ?
It is possible that it could be equipped with a MICO brake lock. (two of mine are and they are wonderful --- I highly recommend them.)
If it does happen to be equipped with a four-wheel MICO, then it is entirely possible that you could have inadvertently applied the MICO and it would lock the brakes on all wheels; of course, a two-wheel MICO would only lock the brakes on one axle.
That would also explain the reservoir being somewhat low, as all the fluid would be held in the brake cylinders by the MICO.
Some people will hide a MICO as an anti-theft measure; you cannot even tow a truck with a locked-down MICO; and, the previous owner might not even know of it's presence if he did not buy the truck new.
This is just a thought and your truck may not even have the MICO.
It is possible that it could be equipped with a MICO brake lock. (two of mine are and they are wonderful --- I highly recommend them.)
If it does happen to be equipped with a four-wheel MICO, then it is entirely possible that you could have inadvertently applied the MICO and it would lock the brakes on all wheels; of course, a two-wheel MICO would only lock the brakes on one axle.
That would also explain the reservoir being somewhat low, as all the fluid would be held in the brake cylinders by the MICO.
Some people will hide a MICO as an anti-theft measure; you cannot even tow a truck with a locked-down MICO; and, the previous owner might not even know of it's presence if he did not buy the truck new.
This is just a thought and your truck may not even have the MICO.
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bigragu (10-17-2017)
10-17-2017, 07:38 PM
#7
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A flatbed can drag it up on the back, and whoom.... it's gone...
Might do some damage, but it still can be done.
I impounded a VW Bug back in the early 1990's for the local PD that way. Hard part was getting it back down off the bed. I had to chain the bug to a pole in the lot, and drive the tow truck out from underneath it.
Well, that's what you get for drinking and driving, and losing your keys in the process....
BTW.... It's good to see your name up here again......after your long hiatus
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10-18-2017, 04:36 AM
#8
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Yea, I thought I had opened a dead thread til I saw the date. Good to hear from you again Bearkiller, hope you don't hibernate this winter!
I think the clue is what BK mentioned. If the rear reservoir was way low and not before then that indicates the fluid may be trapped in the front for what ever reason.
I also agree brother should join to make it easier unless he is more Luddite than me...
I can't see both rubber caliper lines swelling at the same time and keeping the calipers applied but...
I think the clue is what BK mentioned. If the rear reservoir was way low and not before then that indicates the fluid may be trapped in the front for what ever reason.
I also agree brother should join to make it easier unless he is more Luddite than me...
I can't see both rubber caliper lines swelling at the same time and keeping the calipers applied but...
10-18-2017, 05:47 AM
#9
Registered User
No, but the center hose could. I thought this was an old wives tale, until it happened on one of my customer's. His old farm truck would smoke the front brakes after driving it a while, he would let it sit and it would eventually release, but repeat the problem as he started driving and using the brakes.
10-19-2017, 08:54 AM
#11
Registered User
If both lines are the same age, then is is plausible that both could be capable of swelling together internally.
That is a good call, as it is somewhat rare to happen and less likely to come to mind when solving these mysteries.
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