Brakes rusted to drums

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by AVL, Jul 13, 2020.

  1. AVL

    AVL Bobtail Member

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    Just on one side of the axle and only lower brakes are stuck/seized. Upper brakes are fine

    Was hammering it for hours for two days (with brakes released of course), sprayed some brake cleaner and acetone with no luck. Tried crow bar on the sides of the shoe lining, wouldn’t move. Truck has been parked since winter.

    Any recommendations?

    Mechanic said he could cut the spring tomorrow just to get it in the shop but the brakes would get damaged and will have to put new ones. Will cost few hundred, but at this point I’m ok with it. Does that make sense what he is trying to do?
     
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  3. AVL

    AVL Bobtail Member

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    Also, since upper brakes aren’t stuck I’m assuming relay/quick release valve is fine
     
  4. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    Cage the brake chamber then check the S cam
     
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  5. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    If it’s a drive axle, release the brakes, lock the power divider in, and slowly apply pressure in reverse. I’ve never had a rusted set not come free in reverse.
     
  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Yep, I bet the S cam is turned over.
     
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  7. AVL

    AVL Bobtail Member

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    @flood

    If S cam is turned over, would the upper brakes still operate? Thanks for all the replies
     
  8. Shawn2130

    Shawn2130 Heavy Load Member

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    AVL: if it sat all winter, usually the bottom pad gets all the icing and rust more than the top.

    With a dust shield in the way, it’s harder to beat the pads loose.

    no dust shield, much easier.

    Like Semi retired said, if the cam is almost turned over, the roller could be stuck on the weld or lip of the cam preventing it from turning back.
     
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  9. AVL

    AVL Bobtail Member

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    No dust shields, hammered under the truck, outside through the rim holes with a winch bar and a hammer. That thing just won’t release. Waiting for mechanic now



    Didn’t help, will post back today on the solution we’d come up with.
     
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  10. stillwurkin

    stillwurkin Road Train Member

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    The bottom seizes because thats where the water runs down (to the bottom of the drum) and forms rust, and ice weather permitting . When you set the brakes it forms. Not much rust but just enough. Other than hammering on the side of the brake shoes, and drum dont know except get a acetylene torch and gently heat the drums. Never tried the heat thing..but i would before i cut brake springs etc. Note to self..ride your brakes before you park next time to heat them up and dry them. After i do that i don't set them. Winter time is bad also for this issue. I leave trk in gear, and sometimes drop the landing gear to keep it from rolling. Wheel chocks and level ground obviously better also.
     
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  11. flood

    flood Road Train Member

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    or rusted.. had it happen
     
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