Rear brakes lock up first few minutes of driving

zeek

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Replaced both wheel cylinders and shoes, but the rear brakes (mainly left) lock up for the first few minutes of low speed driving, like in the drive way, or parking lot. Should I get a spring kit? Anyone else have this problem?
Thanks
Zeek
 
My opinion - always get the springs when you do drums. I'd be more concerned that you put it back together incorrectly. Could the self-adjusters be "self-adjusting" themselves to the point the drums are locked?
 
I always do one side at a time so I don't mess up. They never lock up for good, just grabby for the first few minutes, so I guess "lock up" was not entirely accurate. After a few minutes of driving they do not grab and lock
Thanks
Zeek
 
I agree with the previous posts. Return springs fatigue through the life of the original shoes. They provide resistance that if lessened, allows the pressure from the proportioning valve to press the shoes against the drums harder since the springs offer less resistance. Good return and hold down springs help this.
In a rarer situation, a proportioning valve that is letting too much pressure to the rear wheels can create a lockup or grabbing condition. This however would require a set of Brake pressure gauges to diagnose and most don't have a set hanging around.
I would agree that proper assembly and adjustment should be checked out.
New adjusters that are properly lubed will also help. Sometimes GM uses a small V shaped clip in the adjuster. It is a bi-metal spring that expands when hot to prevent over adjustment of the rear shoes. If yours had this, it would be a good idea to replace it along with the springs.
 
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