Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Brakes brake problems

I recently changed the brakes on my 98 'tour and I am having problems with the rear drum brakes locking up. Does anyone know how to fix my problem or what is causing them to lock up so much. Thanks for the help

When you come to a normal type stop the rear tires are locking up and skidding even though the fronts are still rolling? Maybe there is air in the front lines or something wrong with the fronts that they aren't doing any work. (??) Does the ebrake work OK if you slow down with just the hand brake, or is it instant wheel lockup with the handbrake?

I never tried the e-brake, but it seems as if the front brakes are working just fine, but once in awhile I get a pulasating feeling in the brakes and sometimes my car shakes. It just seems as the back brakes tighten up too much.

Pulsating usually means warped rotors or out of round drums, which is fairly common. To see if the backs are causing this, do some stop tests with just the hand brake. If it shakes, the rear brakes have a problem. If no shake, the problem is up front. (Might also be felt in the steering wheel...) Drums/rotors should be turned or machined whenever pads or shoes are changed.

Are the backs locking up/skidding or do they just "seem to tighten up too much"? (Not sure what that is....)