97 Cavalier Drum Brake Drag

97 Cavalier Coupe 2.2l, (16,480 actual miles.)

If anyone can help, it would be really appreciated.

When stopping the car at 5-10 mph, the driver side rear wheel locks and skids. When I back up, I can feel the brake lock when the car comes to a complete stop, that side of the car raises up.

I did some brake work on it Tuesday (BEFORE this problem developed), the line to that brake drum had a leak, so I replaced that portion of the line and rebuilt the wheel cylinder.

After putting everything back together, I bled the brakes, and took it out for a test. As I stated, that wheel now locks at low speed (parking speed) stops.

I can't figure out what it is, I played with the adjustment thing on the bottom of the drum, it still insists on locking. During normal driving, I can't really notice a difference, it's just when I'm stopping the car in the driveway.

As I said, the car has only 16,480 miles, I inherited it. It still has the original brake shoes.

Any help/advice would be extremely appreciated!

You said you had a leak..did any of the brake fluid get on the shoes? If so, they will do just as you describe lock up solid at low speed. Only cure is replacement of all rear brake shoes with new, always replace brakes on both sides at the same time. Might want to rebuild other wheeel cylinder as well.
Jeff

When you adjust the brake it should only be till when you put the drum back it the pads barely grab the drum and it can freely rotate a bit. Once you get everything all button'd back up, drive in reverse till like 10-15mph and apply the brake. They will automatically adjust themselves to the proper adjustment. You should actually hear them clicking. This should only need to be done once or twice. But like stated above, if you got any fluids other than brake cleaner on those pads they are pretty much doneski.

Hi,

Thanks for the help, I wish you had seen the post earlier...
I ended up just taking it to a mechanic, charged me 39.99 to adjust somethine on the rear drums. They work perfectly now. Then this Thursday my alternator went... this is just not my week:banghead: ...

Thanks for your help-- Bill