Brakes locking up in reverse?

[Rhythm]

Hi guys,

I have a 1995 Escudo Nomade (1.6L, 16V, 4 cyl, auto) E01 Japanese import. I'm in Grenada, West Indies - this car was imported used direct from Japan, and symbols are in Japanese. It may or may not resemble what is seen in the North American market, so I know that I can't get exact answers.

The car is stock, no lift.

The car runs great, but the tires were getting bald, so I decided to get new tires put on the car. I replaced the old tires with new tires that were the same size.

When I got in the car to drive away from the tire store, I noticed that the tire guy had pulled the emergency brake up so tight that I needed both hands to release it and drive away. Car drives great, new balanced tires make for a nice ride, but it almost feels like the brakes might be dragging a bit. A couple of times I heard a high pitched "twang" noise from under the car.

The car has disk brakes on the front, and drum brakes on the rear.

The problem comes when I put the car in reverse. Lets say that I come to a complete stop, and put the car into reverse. I can feel the brake pedal depress just a little bit more when I go into reverse even though I have not changed my pressure on the pedal.

I release the brake and start to go backwards. When I press the brake pedal, the car may brake normally, OR the brakes may lock up and the car comes to a violent stop. The first time it happened, I thought I had hit something behind me, the stop was so hard.

So I think to myself, maybe the brake shoes are not seated - I try driving forwards and then backwards about 8 times. The eighth time I get the same full lockup as before, so I'm starting to think it is more than just brake shoes not being seated.

I believe that there is some sort of an adjustment mechanism for the rear drum brakes, but I don't have any idea of where to start - do I take off the tires and check out the brakes? Or is there a simpler procedure?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rhythm

[kick-fix]

YOUR CAR is dangerous.
have brake expert find the problem.
you didnt say what end locked.

try it gravel or dirt road, no traffic.
see what locks up.

if only the rear ,clean and lube the self adjusters
all wheels lock , it can be a very bad master cylinder or worse a collapsing line.

jack up each wheel one at a time. and chock opposite side wheels.
and spin them in neutral. should spin easy. like stick in hot butter.
then have some one apply brakes and you then try to spin , after they release.

or just take it in.
the whole system needs to be inspected.

[LongRod]

My guess is you have a broken shoe return spring in one of your rear drum brakes.

[jtgh]

does this guy have 2 posts I thought he said 4 wheel smoke. somewhere.
but no matter
:all wheels.
lets work that thought.
if the brake pedal does retract and has oem free play (check it to fsm)
if the booster is retracted fully and the master cylinder is retracted and the back bleed hole in the MC is free and not clogged.
then there is no pressure any where in the system , regardless of the shoe spring.

right? absolutly right and is the most important thing there is , that bleed and that it NEVER EVER FAIL . Crash and burn?

1 wheel.
fix the brakes on that wheel.
and then discover there all bad, wana bet?

ask for trick for removing drums if you dont have FSM.

[Rhythm]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the help. I have decided to take the car in and have them inspect the complete brake system - probably go ahead and replace pads and shoes while they are in there.

Its always nice to have tools and a shop, and at this stage of my life, I have neither.

I will report back as to the diagnosed cause.

thanks,
Rhythm

[Rhythm]

BTW, Jerry, I would love to have the trick for removing the drums. I don't have the FSM.

[jtgh]

there are 2 screws holes in the drum
insert 8mm screws and turn them equally , pop goes the weasel.

actually you only need a wrench a screw driver and a spring compressor pliars $5.
take photos on the rear spings, in stages, you will never be sorry you did.

just buy new rotors.
new springs,
and preloads.
and shoes
done.

Sorry i mixed up other posts with all wheels locked. (never had 2 lockers on forum same day) ouch.

i have no brake nfo on my web page cuz its too dangerous to offer.
brakes are funny
they can do things most folks never imagined.

i recommend , doing an overhaul to any brake system that shows any signs of
neglect. you will live long and prosper.

if you have ABS, i have no ideas at all. best is to get help.

well one , the Suzuki can be bled without the $4000 scan system .
nice car.

[Rhythm]

As promised, here is the follow up:

According to the mechanic, the actual shoe was off of the actuator, loose within the drum. New shoes, pads, bled system, all good now.

Glad I took it in.

No crashing and burning.

Thanks for the suggestions and the help,
Rhythm