My 1982 GMC Pickup Brakes Wont Release

1982 GMC trucks have disc brake pads in the front and drum brakes in the back. Either type of brake can become stuck from sitting unused for long periods of time. This allows the brakes to seize up to the rotor or the brake drum. Not only can the brakes freeze up to the rotor or drum, the brake caliper and wheel cylinder can stick, causing the brakes to lock up.

Instructions

1

Place the floor jack under the trucks front frame and raise the truck until the tire is off the ground.

2

Grasp the wheel and try to spin it. If the wheel spins freely its fine. If the wheel fails to spin the brake caliper is frozen in place and replacement is required. Do this for the other front wheel as well.

3

Lower the floor jack and place the wheel chocks in front of the front tires. Place the floor jack under the rear end and raise the truck until the wheels are no longer touching the ground.

4

Place the gearshift in neutral position to allow the rear wheels to spin freely.

5

Spin the rear tires by hand. If the wheel fails to spin freely, the rear brakes or the rear brake caliper needs to be replaced. Tap the wheel with the hammer to see if it will free it up. If the wheel frees after tapping then the brake shoes should be replaced, if not the rear caliper is stuck. Follow the same procedure for the other rear wheel.

Lower the rear end and remove the jack. Remove the chocks from the front wheels.

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