Rear brakes lock up, fronts don't seem to work

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

LPGbody

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2023
Posts
5
Reaction score
5
Location
Okanagan, Canada
First Name
Sterling
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
c1500
Engine Size
305
I just bought a 1995 K20 truck. Upon getting it (towed) home I noticed the smaller rear brake fluid reservoir was extremely low. I topped it up and bleed all four brakes just to be safe. However the pedal seems to do absolutely nothing until about halfway down the rear drums will immediately lock right up with a hair of pressure. I can't for the life of me to get the front brakes to lock up and the hood never dips down, I don't think the front brakes are even working.

I took the drums off and inspected the rear brakes, everything is dry and the lining looks brand new. I backed off the adjustment a little bit to see if anything would change and they still lock up.

I have not looked at the front yet but I lifted it up and spun the tires by hand and the brakes seem to stop me from spinning them. I noticed a bit of drag on the front passenger tire though. And that is where I am now.
 

Radiohead

That guy on the Columbia
Joined
Mar 17, 2022
Posts
1,833
Reaction score
5,979
Location
Low Earth Orbit where it's safer
First Name
Eric
Truck Year
MCMLXXIX
Truck Model
C-20 Silverado Camper Special
Engine Size
454 crazy cubes, or 7.4 luscious litres
Has the proportioning valve shifted?
If the hoses are original, it's possible that they have collapsed internally and at this age it's not a bad idea to change them out anyway.
 

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
1,629
Reaction score
2,207
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Wheel drag likely bad [stuck] caliper on that side. Rear reservoir low, did you pull back the wheel cylinder dust covers and check for leaks? If ok, pull the master and check for leak in back. The small rear brake fluid capacity it is possible at some point air entered.

Common problems might be a combination.

Low pedal, air, bad master, rear brake adjustment, ect.

No front brakes, stuck calipers, fluid restriction, air, bad master.
 

Ricko1966

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2017
Posts
4,067
Reaction score
5,918
Location
kansas
First Name
Rick
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
c20
Engine Size
350
Is the brake warning light on or off? Does it work?
 

Forum statistics

Threads
42,136
Posts
909,944
Members
33,636
Latest member
ehef
Top