brakes locking up

[Dennis upyourkia]

My boys has a 2003 Ranger 4x4 5sp with a 4.0, When the roads are wet or snowy his right rear brake locks up. We have tried to remove the drum to see if we can find out whats wrong but the drum seems to be stuck. Is there a trick to removing the drum? I am 45 years old and have done brakes on every vehicle I have owned and this has me stumped. Also if anyone has had this problem, what could be causing the brake to lock up?

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks, Dennis

 

[Toms01PSD]

Beat the piss outta the drum. I had to do it on my 99 to get them off. Had to beat the drums off my buddys 01 this past week too.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Is the drum loose but won't come off, or just rusted to the axle flange?

If its loose but won't come off you will have to back off the adjuster through the adjuster hole in the backing plate. The drum most likely has a fair size rust ridge on it it that won't let it come past the shoes.

Drums can lock up for a couple of reasons:

Moisture absorbed into the shoes causing them to grab, its pretty common on rangers and usually happens after sitting overnight but usually goes away after the first couple of brake applications.

Oil contamination on the shoes from either leaking axle seals or leaking wheel cylinders.

 

[Dennis upyourkia]

The drum seem to be rusted to the flange, It's not loose at all but it's easy to turn by hand. It sounds like I need a bigger hammer.

Thanks for your help, Dennis