2000 GMC Savana Van 1500 4x2 Rear Brake Problem
kenjogemcoins
01-25-2007, 10:03 PM
Hello everyone, I have read the rules and am trying to follow them. I did search through the previous posts and saw some similar problems and have some ideas what to try but did not see exactly my problem. Okay, here goes, my van although very high mileage has been well maintained vehicle from the preventive maintenance and regular timely repairs standpoint. I do go through brakes much more than most folks due to all the stop and go driving --- I have used this truck for home delivery for several years.
My mechanic (been with him for 3+ years, reliable, honest, reasonable on price, etc. -- he services both my delivery trucks and my family's personal vehicles) never has previously been stumped on any repairs outside of a check engine light a few years back that kept throwing a different code on his diagnostic computer) ... but here is what is going on. Recently, had new drums and shoes installed on the rears since the linings on the old shoes were getting thin. First time I had replaced the drums in several years, since they had been turned down twice previously and did not think it safe to turn them again.
After a few days, the left rear brake shoe cracked and split after a few days of stop and go driving. Gouged up the drum pretty bad and since mechanic has good relationship with his parts folks, he went ahead and replaced with another new drum when he replaced the cracked shoe. All great for about another 2 days then same thing. He mentioned to me that he has noticed the left side drum was getting very hot and questioned whether I had left emergency brake on by mistake. First time it happened I could not be 100% sure but this time I am 100% sure the emergency brake has not even been used since the second new drum and shoe was installed. When he adjusted the new brakes there was no noticeable at least with the tire off. Also, the wheel cylinder appears dry.
Any suggestions? Perhaps a new spring kit? New wheel cylinders? Even with a wheel cylinder not appearing to leak, could a worn out wheel cylinder cause the shoes to be engaged enough to cause that left side to get so hot as to crack the shoe? Maybe an emergency brake cable causing drag? The dang confusing thing is that there is no evidence that the left side is hanging up or dragging at least from the standpoint that truck seems to hold its momentum normally if the brake pedal is not pushed .... if that makes sense.
With the brakes now 'hopping' and grabbing again, truck is becoming unsafe to drive getting worse by the day. Again the symptoms are like you get when a shoe gets glazed I am sure that when he pulls the wheels again, we are going to find another cracked rear left shoe. Today, I could smell that unmistakable smell of a burning up brake lining and the outside of the drum felt hot to the touch. I just do not want to be back at square one again after
another new drum and shoe is replaced and I would hate to end up taking this truck somewhere else and starting all over since up to now, my mechanic has been such an asset both to my home delivery business, as well as reliable with our personal vehicles. Something is causing that left side to run hot ... ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thanks
Kenny in
My mechanic (been with him for 3+ years, reliable, honest, reasonable on price, etc. -- he services both my delivery trucks and my family's personal vehicles) never has previously been stumped on any repairs outside of a check engine light a few years back that kept throwing a different code on his diagnostic computer) ... but here is what is going on. Recently, had new drums and shoes installed on the rears since the linings on the old shoes were getting thin. First time I had replaced the drums in several years, since they had been turned down twice previously and did not think it safe to turn them again.
After a few days, the left rear brake shoe cracked and split after a few days of stop and go driving. Gouged up the drum pretty bad and since mechanic has good relationship with his parts folks, he went ahead and replaced with another new drum when he replaced the cracked shoe. All great for about another 2 days then same thing. He mentioned to me that he has noticed the left side drum was getting very hot and questioned whether I had left emergency brake on by mistake. First time it happened I could not be 100% sure but this time I am 100% sure the emergency brake has not even been used since the second new drum and shoe was installed. When he adjusted the new brakes there was no noticeable at least with the tire off. Also, the wheel cylinder appears dry.
Any suggestions? Perhaps a new spring kit? New wheel cylinders? Even with a wheel cylinder not appearing to leak, could a worn out wheel cylinder cause the shoes to be engaged enough to cause that left side to get so hot as to crack the shoe? Maybe an emergency brake cable causing drag? The dang confusing thing is that there is no evidence that the left side is hanging up or dragging at least from the standpoint that truck seems to hold its momentum normally if the brake pedal is not pushed .... if that makes sense.
With the brakes now 'hopping' and grabbing again, truck is becoming unsafe to drive getting worse by the day. Again the symptoms are like you get when a shoe gets glazed I am sure that when he pulls the wheels again, we are going to find another cracked rear left shoe. Today, I could smell that unmistakable smell of a burning up brake lining and the outside of the drum felt hot to the touch. I just do not want to be back at square one again after
another new drum and shoe is replaced and I would hate to end up taking this truck somewhere else and starting all over since up to now, my mechanic has been such an asset both to my home delivery business, as well as reliable with our personal vehicles. Something is causing that left side to run hot ... ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thanks
Kenny in
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2025