97 f150 rear wheel still locking up

[miguel2112]

ok, bought the truck several weeks ago and had problems with the rear wheels pulling while braking. The previous owner had replaced the rear shoes. Come to find out that he had primary and secondary shoes reversed on one wheel. Corrected that everything ok. About a week later after the truck was parked for awhile, got in and tried to drive away but could'nt. Left rear wheel was locked up. Took rear wheels off inspected this time made sure self adjusters were adjusted in more than normal. About a week later again, left wheel locked up. Some how the adjuster is screwing its self out so rapidly that in a week it's got the brakes so tight they lock the wheel up......Any ideas.....Wheel cylinders ok, parking brake cable and operation ok. There are a couple of things I'm gonna check tomorrow. Check the self adjusters and be sure they did'nt get switched. Also the backing plate has rotated clockwise so the anchor pin is at about 1 o'clock position. Everything is tight so how did it get that way and could it be the culprit. Thanks for any input.

[82Stang]

Two things to check. (assuming no brake fluid leaks)
1. self adjuster is in correctly, not backwards or switched side.
2. defective drums.

[miguel2112]

Self adjusters are on correctly and on their respective sides (L&R). So that leaves defective drums but could that cause the self adjuster to rapidly adjust the shoes tighter and what's up with the backing plate?

[Davescort97]

Is the spring on top of the adjusters there? Without that the star wheel is free to tighten up on it. Make sure the backing plate is tight. Why is it locked up after you first get in? It seems that you would notice a lot of drag driving it like that on the way home. The only time the adjusters work is when you back up and then brake. Maybe somebody with a brake spoon is having a laugh at your expense.

[miguel2112]

yes the spring is there and when it gets to that point it will drag until the adjuster is backed off.

[82Stang]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

The only time the adjusters work is when you back up and then brake.

Yes this is true. I had a similar problem on a 99 Ford Ranger. The vehicle would drive then the rears would lock up slowly until it wouldn't move. And it also was tight on occasion from the start. It turned out to be the previous person that replaced the brakes, put the adjusters on backwards.

It sounds like it is something to do with the hardware/adjuster kit.

[racenduro]

your spiders are locking up