Rear Wheel Lock Up...

[North42g]

Got a '98 Ford Ranger 3.0L ; 4 x 4 ; 4WABS ; 243,007 Miles.

Recently I've noticed that when coming to a stop, at low speeds, the rear end locks up on me. It doesn't happen every time. It feels like the Brake Pedal is overly sensitive. I have a SOLUS-PRO scan tool that I use at work. I scanned the ABS System for codes and found none. In fact, all sensors seem to be operating normally. I wonder if it has anything to do with the Parking Brake assembly? I say this because one time after the pedal was depressed, it would not release. I had to get under there and jiggle the Parking Brake cable until the the right rear wheel finally came loose.
So I am not sure if the problem is Electrical ABS Sensor related or Mechanical related.
Like I a fore mentioned,when this happens, the rear brakes feel very sensitive. I want to solve this issue right away because I'm afraid that when I driving down the high-way @ 75mph and had to hit the brakes, my rear end would lock-up and I 'd loose control of the Truck!! Especially if my wife or Father was driving it!

I hope some one has seen this issue before and can help me. Thank You in Advance!

 

[srteach]

Check for wheel cylinder leaks. If there are leaks, the fluid will cause the brakes to be grabby. This could also cause the e-brake to fail to release.

No leaks? Have the brake fluid checked for moisture content. Flush and fill the brake lines with clean brake fluid if necessary. Brake fluid is hydophillic (will absorb water) over time, causing the same issues.

 

[North42g]

Check for wheel cylinder leaks. If there are leaks, the fluid will cause the brakes to be grabby. This could also cause the e-brake to fail to release.

No leaks? Have the brake fluid checked for moisture content. Flush and fill the brake lines with clean brake fluid if necessary. Brake fluid is hydophillic (will absorb water) over time, causing the same issues.

FYI- Hygroscopic - the ability to attract water molecules over time.
Brake fluid is indeed a hygroscopic fluid.

But anyway...I removed the rear drums to have a look at what might be the issue.
The left side came right off. However, the right side took a lot of persuasion!
Come to find out that the Parking brake cable has frozen in the "on" position, but only on the right side. And, only partially. Definitely causing the "grabby" situation. None of my surrounding parts stores had the replacement line in stock so I tried my best to pull it back through.
But now I have a diiferent problem...the ABS light on the dash is on!...?
I didn't go near the sensor. So Back to the drawing board!

 

[88~ranger]

I had this exact problem, right rear wheel would be so sensitive to the pedal and it was difficult to get the truck rolling on hills (being a standard) i figured it was the parking brake cause mines never really worked, i pulled off the right rear drum and it turned out to be a part of the brake shoe was broken off and getting lodged somewhere inside of the drum and causeing the lock up. took the little piece of shoe out and it works good now. unfortunetly i have to do a brake job

 

[martin]

If the adjusters are not adjusted up it will sometimes cause this. the auto adjusters are rubbish I always adjust mine manually.

 

[roadster]

i have 98 ranger and my right rear also locks up time to time.... adjuster turns easily with your fingers and all looks fine no leaks, just bought it ... adjusted pads all the way off and still locks up....