Cold Brakes

[bass1775]

The very first time I apply my brakes (when the truck is cold) they (the rear brakes) grab reallly bad. They almost throw you through the windshield. Just that first time. After that they work just fine. I haven't torn anything apart just yet. Just wanted to see/hear your thoughts.

 

[bass1775]

Any ideas? How about a good guess?

 

[crmzendrgone]

I would say bad proportioning valve but the ABS should take care of that. HMM???? maybe a bad wheel cylinder????? bad fluid?????

 

[96ProCompTahoe]

only thing to come to mind is if they get moisture/surface rust on the drums making them grab better?

 

[crmzendrgone]

silly question how do you know the rears are grabing and not the fronts.

 

[99Yuk]

He may be able to tell they are the rear brakes locking up, because if they are locking up enough to through him through the windshield, then there should be skid marks at the rear

Seriously, maybe they are out of adjustment? Have you pulled off the drums to poke your nose around?

 

[bass1775]

Yes, there are skid marks at the rear wheels. I was headed in the same direction with the bad wheel cylinder however, no fluid leak anywhere. I'm thinking brake shoes/ drums are defective. I have not tore anything apart yet. It's not my daily driver right now but, I plan to repair before the winter sets in. I'll let you know what I find.

 

[arowsom]

I've had the same problem with my '95 since I bought it 12 years ago. it definitely is much worse when the weather is wet. last time it really threw me through the windshield was a day after i had my rear brakes both rebuilt. It was so violent that I'm sure something broke. I haven't looked inside the drums yet. Let me know if you come up with anything. The only solution I've come up with is to ride the brakes(lightly) for the first half minute out of the driveway. once their dry, it's fine for the day.

 

[faze]

Do you use the ebrake?

 

[bridgeman]

It may be fluid (brake fluid or axle lube) soaked pads. I had this problem with a bad wheel seal leaking oil and soaking the pads one wheel would grab and cause the wheel to lock up and skid. Look to see if the rear (back side of the axle is wet with oil. this is a tell all sign.

bridgeman
99 tahoe