Rear brakes locking up.

[dptyrob]

I'm trying to help a buddy with his 95 Ranger. It is a 4.0, 2WD, extended cab, with automatic transmission and about 260,000 miles on the clock. At low speeds, like in a parking lot or slowing to a stop, the rear brakes will sometimes lock up briefly. There is no light coming on in the instrument cluster indicating that there's a problem anywhere. I also pulled the drums off and looked inside them and everything looks good in there. Any ideas what might be causing this? I suspect something with the anti-lock system or a failing proportioning valve, but I'm hoping that maybe this is some sort of common malady that someone here might have a handle on. Thanks.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Pull the other side off. Rear brakes usually start locking up a slow speeds when you either have an axle seal or a wheel cylinder leaking oil onto the shoes.

 

[dptyrob]

Pull the other side off. Rear brakes usually start locking up a slow speeds when you either have an axle seal or a wheel cylinder leaking oil onto the shoes.

I pulled both of them and they were both in good shape which really surprised me because my buddy knows nothing about mechanical issues (including routine maintenance) and is one of those people that just drives it until it "won't go".

 

[forzda]

check the emergency brake cables to both rear whel , they maybe sticking on slighty .I replaced my rear brakes and they would lock on , it turned out the the ebrake cable wouldnt release

 

[Flat Toy]

If you see nothing wrong check to be sure there is a touch of grease where the shoes ride on the backing plate. Had this happen on my 86 Ranger. Never knew when they would lock up.
I bought a 98 Astro Van that had been run dry for so long that there was a grove worn in the backing plate the shape of the shoe.
Just a thought.