Air brakes dragging

[Falkortheluckbus]

I have a 1998 bluebird with a 5.9 Cummings. I brought it home last October and it sat through the winter. I went out and I started it every couple weeks. But didn't move it because of the snow. I tried moving it first melt and it wouldn't budge. I jacked up each end and rotated each tire. They were stuck, I'm assuming rusted to the drum. But now it still won't move and I can hear the pads grinding in the back. Is there anyway to loosen them up?

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Originally Posted by Falkortheluckbus

I have a 1998 bluebird with a 5.9 Cummings. I brought it home last October and it sat through the winter. I went out and I started it every couple weeks. But didn't move it because of the snow. I tried moving it first melt and it wouldn't budge. I jacked up each end and rotated each tire. They were stuck, I'm assuming rusted to the drum. But now it still won't move and I can hear the pads grinding in the back. Is there anyway to loosen them up?

Do you have air brakes or hydraulic? I'm assuming air brakes since most hydraulic systems use driveshaft brakes for parking and that's not the symptom you are describing.



With air brakes, drop it in low gear and give it some throttle. Rock it a bit to free the brakes. Drive it a bit. Brakes should free right up after a couple stops.


Most air brakes since the late 90's (I forget the exact cutoff year) are self adjusting (and self-adjusters were retrofitted to many earlier buses).


Before I forget, how much air pressure you showing? The brakes will release but drag if it's somewhere between 40-60 PSI.


If you are still hearing brake drag after a bit of driving (a couple miles and a few stops), at that point it might be a good idea to get 'em checked. Once they break loose and have full pressure (over 80 PSI should be enough) there shouldn't be any drag.

[Gdog 5651]

Originally Posted by Falkortheluckbus

I have a 1998 bluebird with a 5.9 Cummings. I brought it home last October and it sat through the winter. I went out and I started it every couple weeks. But didn't move it because of the snow. I tried moving it first melt and it wouldn't budge. I jacked up each end and rotated each tire. They were stuck, I'm assuming rusted to the drum. But now it still won't move and I can hear the pads grinding in the back. Is there anyway to loosen them up?

I have had a few occasions of brake shoes attaching to drums but it is pretty rare I solved the problem by well placed 5 lb hammer blows on the backside edge of the drum the park brakes have to be released for this to work (CHOCK THE WHEELS). Next question are the park brakes releasing?

[Falkortheluckbus]

Air brakes, 120 psi, and wheels turn but not freely. It took quite a bit of work to free them up, five pound hammer, lots of rocking.

[Johnny Mullet]

Drive it awhile at slow speeds and the rust will clear and brakes should work properly.

[WARGEAR]

If the tires roll then the brake shoes are no longer seized to the drums, which is good! But if after several dozen miles they’re still very stiff then look into servicing the s-cams and return springs and hardware. Something else maybe seized and last thing you want is a hot wheel going down the highway.

[Falkortheluckbus]

As soon as I get some good weather I'll take it for a drive. It's sitting on a farm and a little sunk down in the mud. I might need to winch it out.