Seized Brakes

[Bob_374231732]

Just discovered that one of my wheels on my lunar sunbeam has locked solid, I assume that the brakes have seized (yes I left the handbrake on)but its only been 3 months since it was last used. Anybody got any ideas how to free the drum.

Many thanks

 

[rayc]

Bob, I assume that the shoes have just rusted to the drum. A bit of brute force should be enough to break the bond.

I suggest a quick-short tow. If this does not work jack the van up and remove the wheel. Using a wooden mallet tap around the drum ( with the brake off and the legs down). Whilst tapping the drum try to rotate the drum in the forward direction. If all else fails then the drum will have to come off which might require a bit of blood sweat and tears.

 

[rayc]

Bob, I assume that the shoes have just rusted to the drum. A bit of brute force should be enough to break the bond.

I suggest a quick-short tow. If this does not work jack the van up and remove the wheel. Using a wooden mallet tap around the drum ( with the brake off and the legs down). Whilst tapping the drum try to rotate the drum in the forward direction. If all else fails then the drum will have to come off which might require a bit of blood sweat and tears.

Bob, this assumes that nothing in the cable system has stuck thus pulling the van brake on. Not very likely as the other wheel is ok.

 

[Bob_374231732]

Bob, I assume that the shoes have just rusted to the drum. A bit of brute force should be enough to break the bond.

I suggest a quick-short tow. If this does not work jack the van up and remove the wheel. Using a wooden mallet tap around the drum ( with the brake off and the legs down). Whilst tapping the drum try to rotate the drum in the forward direction. If all else fails then the drum will have to come off which might require a bit of blood sweat and tears.

Thanks Ray, looks like the sweat and tears option as I tried the short tow without success. Only hope the drum comes off relatively easily.

 

[MikeP]

It's a bit late now, but you should have tried to free the drum using a wooden or rubber mallet first. If the shoes really are rusted to the drum, then forced movement through towing could cause the shoes to become displaced and possibly mash things up a bit.

Some backplates have a small inspection hole, through which you can see the ratchet of the auto adjust mechanism. Using a short screwdriver you can back off the auto adjuster, which might help.

If you haven't done this sort of thing before, you should really get someone experienced to do it. It's best not to mess with brakes unless you know what you're doing.

 

[BigAl1]

BOB

How vdid you get on with your siezed brake? If not attempted yet then I suggest that you get someone to try to push the van while you clout the wheel. This may sound a bit drastic but it has worked for me in the past.

PS Don't do this if you have allow wheels fitted.