Well its starting to get cooler here and its been raining also on an off. Only when the truck is cold the brakes are real touchy but it also locks up the right rear.After I drive around for a while its fine. It has just started doing this or sometimes when it rains. My question is do I have anything wrong? I would imagine leaky wheel cylinder but it doesnt really do it when its warm out.

Any suggestions?

 

It does sound like you have a wheel cylinder leaking. A lot of times they will only lock up when you first start out or if you are driving on something loose such as gravel.

 

My rear brakes do the same.but it's starting to get cold here abit,it,s hovering around 30 degress or so.And when it starts to get cold the brakes get touchy.My theory is, they need adjusting and the rt side is to tight.

 

Ive seen 2 things that can cause it. As you mentioned a leaky rear seal. when its cold the oil is so thick it acts like glue between the drum and shoes, after it warms it acts normal. also rust glazing on some drums just from sitting a while in damp weather. My chevy was bad for this. Ya might wanna check the adjusters also my 93 350 CTD always locked the left up If I didnt keep it adjusted.

 

A friend of mine has a truck that does the same thing and his is just a rust problem. He never realy works his brakes hard and every now and then they get graby. If he touches the brakes when cold the rear will lock up. If he put the parkbrake on about have way the drives about 100 feet then take the parkbrake off they work great for about a week or two

 

I'll go along with either the leaky rear wheel seal or leaky wheel cylinder. Cold weather may have made the seal "less pliable". Take of the drum and you will see whats up. Good luck and let us know. Kevin

 

I've read somewhere that there's certain brake shoe material that soaks up moisture and swells a bit. Driving it and using the brakes dries it out and the brakes start working properly again. If you don't have a leaky wheel cylinder or axle seal, maybe this is the culprit. My wife's Cavalier used to do this, BTW. I changed the shoes with better quality ones, problem solved.

 

Looks like most areas are covered. Definitely pull the rear drums off and check it out. Might want to inspect the lining material for cracking and thickness and chrystalizing. If you change the shoes inspect the rubbing blocks for wear and grease them for assembly.

 

Well usually its not much of a problem like I said because it never really gets that cold and rainy but there is an obvious problem. I will check it out soon, but the tires are a just a pain to take off

 

Checked out the brakes. I cannot find anything wrong. No moisture or anything. Pads look great. while I was in there I swapped in new gm cylinders. Easy 5 minute job per side. I havnt had any rain lately but I think it will still lock up the right side pretty easy. Could it be a bad proportioning valve?

 

It's very common in rainy or humid weather for the drums to flash rust in just in a few hours and cause the brakes to grab for the first few stops of the day.
Best advice is to expect it and brake a few times before you really need the brakes to remove the rust.

 

Mine does that every time it rains. I just drive out the driveway with my foot half down on the brake and its fine. I havent pulled the drums off since last Feb, but since it ONLY does it when it sits overnight while raining I am certain it is rust.

 

Mine does the same thing. The first few stabs at the brakes are really touchy. I'm just used to it. By the way how does the new cylinders feel? I was thinking about it but I really dont think my brakes are not strong, so I dont know if its worth the time or money.

 

OK well I guess I will have to live with it. No biggie. The brakes feel real good now I am really happy with the swap. It cost me $28 and some change at napa for the swap. I just unbolted the cylinder and brake line, wiggled it out and put the new one it. Really really easy. I figured I would have to take the drums off. Alright everyone have fun with their touchy brakes

 

I guarantee you'd like the this cheap mod. It's nice having the truck sort of crouch down in the rear rather than the front taking a dive while braking. Very noticeable difference.