Brakes Locking up

[Sam Muscat]

My Rear right hand brakes locks up on application on my FC, but than releases when you take off again.
I have checked the wheel cylinder and seemed to bit sticking and not releasing, so I backed of the brake but has made no difference.
Has anyone got any ideas?

[FC427]

Sounds like the wheel cylinder .........FC427........

[NO NAME]

is the car driven everyday or sit around, did it happen just after degreasing underneath or the wheels, if you get a film of rust on the linings the brakes grab harder till the rust goes away. also i guess you have already made sure everything is sitting in place correctly. are all the brakes working ok on the over wheels, i cant see how a wheel cylinder can make it lock up, but it could make it stay on if the rubber is swelled or bore is marked or dirty

[mcl1959]

It's almost certainly the wheel cylinders as FC427 says. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and crystallises inside the wheel cylinder and wont allow the piston to retract properly. I would reco both rear wheel cylinders and check the fronts as well if these have not been renewed. The only other thing to check is the return springs which can lose tension. They should require all your effort to remove and install if you use a vise grip or the like.  Also do a fluid flush to remove all water from the brake lines and master cylinder.

Ken

[Rusty_T]

 
I'm no expert on this but I had a similar problem with the front before I went to Disc. The problem with locking "could" be that the lining is glazed over.(Has a hard shiny coating ) Grab some coarse wet and dry (or emery paper) and clean the glaze off and try the brakes again.Failing that then take the previous advice and have the wheel cylinder(s) reconditioned.

Hope tis helps
Rusty

[Sam Muscat]

Thank you to all that replied, I will take all of that in consideration.  If I do need to recon the wheel cylinders who would you recommend.  Are there kits still available or are they an exchange item.
thank you
Sam

[mcl1959]

Wheel cyls are sleeved with stainless steel to original size and usually they do yours for you over a couple of days unless they have a changeover set. Cups are readily available but I would suggest the sleeving as mandatory to eliminate further trouble.

Ken