Brakes Locking Up (Solved)

I have a 16 Tacoma TRD Sport, Manual 6-Speed. I already know not to use the Parking Brake in this kind of cold. Although both rear brakes, both drums, were locked up. I've never seen anything like this for drums. I kicked it into 4x4 Lo, rocked it back and forth, burned some rubber, and they finally snapped back into place. Has anyone else ran into this problem? Does anyone know of a fix for this? Are the brakes bad, should I replace the springs, is there any winterization I can do for the brakes? Thanks.

 

I've parked my taco in -25f and the brakes were fine. What state are you in? How many miles on your truck? Welcome to TW!

 

I'm in Ohio with 37k, got down to 20F although the rain turned into snow yesterday. Thinking about doing a drum to disc conversion. Ideas?

 

This used to happen after I would get my truck washed last winter and park it overnight while the drums were still wet. I'm betting that your drums were wet last night.

Although, I never had to use 4 Low to break free, I always just gave it some gas in 1st gear.

 

Not sure about the disc conversion. Of course your discs can get stuck due to weather conditions. However, if you needed to apply 4wd to break free then I would certainly inspect them. Just pulling one side will tell you if your pads were simply stuck or if you need a (doubtful) repair. 30 minutes and you will know. Alternatively, spend the next 8 hours on here and be no further forward.

 

Are your rear brakes dragging under normal conditions and you just happened to notice it this morning? If so your shoe return springs might be broken? I kinda doubt enough water would get in during a carwash to cause problems, but Im not sure. Ive totally submerged the drums on my 2nd gen with no lasting problems. Just gotta drive 10-15 miles down the roads to dry them out

 

I've heard of this happening to people yet never experienced it myself. I wouldnt waste money on a conversion kit. If it becomes too regular an occurrence then have the dealer look to make sure everything is to spec before looking for other alternatives.

 

No, I have no problems braking in anything above 32F. It's just when its freezing and when my truck has been sitting for an hour plus

 

It happens literally every time its freezing weather and my truck has sat for an hour plus amount of time

 

Stalled it in 1st gear. Couldn't even get her to budge in 4x4 Hi. Reverse seemed completely fine, it was just going forward that was the problem

 

by chance is your truck lifted? I have been having an issue with my parking brake freezing up in cold weather, but once in a while it would lock up even when I wasn't using it. reach under and grab the brake line where it enters the drum and give it a good shake. I am betting it's still your parking brake that's causing the issues.

my shop thinks that when it was lifted there was a kink put in the line since it wasn't adjusted. I'm not sure if that's true but we will find out.

side note. I fall on the side of "use your parking brake all the time in a manual" I have used it all my life, growing up in Alaska and living in Minnesota now. my driveway has an incline to it, and you can't leave it in gear and expect it to stay put. eventually it will work it's way down the drive.

 

You may have gone thru a puddle of water or some condensation may have frozen and caused them to lock up.
This has happened to me in hot weather on both TOYOTA vehicles I keep at home after a hand wash in the driveway and the next day they're locked up.

No biggie, just give it throttle and be ready to push the brakes when they finally break because it will snap free!

Cheers!

 

Its ok in reverse but not forward? That seems suspect to me..

 

Yes, i have a 3" lift. I gave it a good yank and shake and the brake released much easier this time. Before I did that, I was still able to go in reverse smoothly but after I shook the line, the brake released much easier. I'm on your side.. I grew up driving a stick and never had any issues with the parking brake so I always used it.

Anyways, did you ever find a long term fix besides just shaking before driving? I tried engaging the brake when I got home and it was incredibly loose as if it was still engaged so i had to keep it in gear for my parking brake instead

 

Then something aint right with your truck. I drive in a lot of slush, rain, etc then freezing temps and not once had it happen. I'm talking -20 and never had it happen.

 

This.

 

Just tried it again to make sure. Sure enough, it kept catching me when I tried to go forward but it was smooth again in reverse. If you read my reply above, starting with "Yes, it's a 3" lift" then you can get the jist of what actually worked to kick the brake off.

 

Odd. I cant particularly see why the cable would bind when the truck is moving forward, but not in reverse, you know? Regardless, does sounds like it needs to be adjusted

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/left-rear-brake-fire.579433/

You need to pull the drum and make sure the brakes are still together. Do not attempt to drive it. Check your retainer springs to make sure they're still in place.

 

When braking while going forward the brakes cam and apply more braking force to the leading shoe, and less to the trailing shoe. In reverse the opposite is true. Since you have problems going forward but not in reverse, it tells me that the leading shoe may not be returning fully.