Brake Question on a 1997 Silverado

[crothmeier]

Truck: 1997 1/2 Ton Silverado Z71

Miles: 257,000

Problem: I noticed it a few weeks ago while backing the boat trailer in, when I went to pull it out, the rear brakes stuck. after pumping them a bit and driving forward they loosened up and it hadn't happened again until last night. I backed up into a buddy's driveway and when I went to leave they stuck again. If im not mistaken these are the drum brakes, and are they something along the lines of self adjusting? Ive always done my own front disc brakes, but have never messed with drums. Could this be a do-it-yourself fix? otherwise im taking it to a small shop I use to fix the things I cant myself.

note: I've owned the truck for the past 60,000 miles or so, and havent done anything with the rear brakes other than had all the lines replaced running to the back. Im not sure if they've been looked at proir or not.

[SpecialK]

If they are Drum brakes, there is an adjuster in there if they are in fact too tight. I would pull the drums off and inspect them or take them somewhere you trust and have them take a look for you.

I am not sure if you use your e-brake alot but I would also look at the e-brake cable and make sure that it moves freely and releases all the way.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I'd be curious if the e-brake was used as well?

[crothmeier]

I cant say ive ever used the e-brake, unless the wife has. But that was not engeged in the cab, however I didn't look at the cable. Im going to investigate more tonight after work. I have a small shop guy I use for most of my truck repairs that is going to give it a good look over thursday morning. She's been a minnesota truck all of her life, so there's some wear and tear on the underside, but still runs and starts great!

[crothmeier]

well here's an update. i'll try to describe this as best i can.

it only happens in 4wd. 4-hi and 4-low (wife bumped the 4wd button and didnt know it)

i drive forward and turn the wheel right. the rear end locks (into posi so to say?) and the drivers side rear tire trys to turn faster than the passenger side. it binds up, and the tire drags and does not turn freely.

i take it out of 4wd and it turns and drives fine. put it back in 4wd and back to that problem again. it will drive forward fine, until i turn, then it binds.

#1 i thought rear differential. BUT it doesnt do it in 2wd. doesnt make sense

#2 i thought transfer case. BUT that has nothing to do with the rear differential. its still the same driveshaft turning the gears back there. doesnt make sense.

its at the shop today. changing all fluids and getting an inspection.

ive baffled 3 people on this so far and we're running with the concept that we'll figure out what it is once somethign snaps haha. for now i'm keeping it in 2wd.

[Scott K]

If it binds on hard surfaces in 4x4, that is normal, and the only way you will fix it is stop driving it in 4x4 on hard non slip surfaces.

[crothmeier]

but its never done it before. thats the strange thing. either way im done in 4wd unless needed in the winter, which would allow the back tires to slide easily anyway.