1997 ranger brake issues

[kward3332]

I have front rotors and rear drums... they have been replaced, serviced etc. my question is usually when i start the truck after sitting awhile the first couple of braking the rear wheels lock up, does anyone know what this could be from, my mechanic doesn't see anything and can't figure it out

KIM

 

[Jspafford]

Ranger based vehicles, who knows why, but the rear brake pads like to absorb water when sitting in damp areas. They will usually always catch and grab hard the first few stops and then go away.

Some people claim using the higher priced, better quality pads help, me, I just lived with it because for once it felt like I had good brakes.

Nothing to worry about, just remember to stop slowly the first few times and keep on truckin.

 

[kward3332]

thanks for the reply but are you sure cause sometimes even whaen i brake lightly they lock up like i just slammed the brakes

 

[Jeepman401]

What he said just about sums it up. Its not exactly anything wrong with the truck, its just something that happens

 

[linuxman2003]

Yup, my '01 does the same thing. After a few good stops it will go back to normal.

 

[Jspafford]

thanks for the reply but are you sure cause sometimes even whaen i brake lightly they lock up like i just slammed the brakes

The problem is the moisture gets into the rear shoes, the front uses disks, the rear is all that is affected. Anyway, moisture enters and swells up the brake lining making it closer to the drum, when you stop the first few times it takes little travel to make them contact, as you stop more the heat generated evaporates the water and the issue goes away.

 

[compleckz]

yup, happens to me too, with stock shoes, and then the cheap-o replacements.. im not sure if the expensive replacements fix the problem or not.

happens a lot in the winter if i park in snow or slush, just make sure you have the little rubber plugs in the bottom the drum backing plate, that would make the problem a lot worse, if missing.