Tractor Hauler Brakes

super99 · May 21, 2019

I bought a new to me 98 Chevy 3500 Dually with 454 motor, auto trans, set up for a gooseneck trailer to haul my tractor with. It has 107,000 miles and motor, interior and outside is clean, just one rust spot in the cab corner. When you first drive it after setting a while, the first 3 or 4 times that you apply the brakes the rear wheels lock up and slide. After that it drives normal, no brake dragging or pulling to one side. I know that I'll have to pull the wheels and check it out, just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? Thanks, Chris

9001ron · May 21, 2019

I had a ford 1/2 ton that did that . The wheel seal would leak a couple of drops sitting and the first time you hit the brakes the wheel would lock up solid . I of course changed the seal and checked the vent tube from the diff but it still did the same thing -- just a couple of drops . Finally I drained out the oil and installed synthetic rear diff oil and it was a complete 100% fix . I dont know if it stopped the leak which was very small or it was the oil would act differently on the shoes.

roy prins · May 21, 2019

a small leak of brake fluid will do the same thing-- btdt Roy

504 · May 21, 2019

Its not your problem but check the steel brake lines behind the gas tank,they are prone to rust through. I found mine leaking two days before an 500 mile trailer pulling trip.

showcrop · May 22, 2019

It could be as simple as rust on the drums. That can happen overnight when the air is humid. Another big thing though is that brake fluid will absorb moisture, which will slowly migrate down to the lowest point and cause wheel cylinders to rust and hang up. I understand that Silicone fluid is available that does not absorb moisture. However it is incompatible with regular petroleum based fluid, so rinsing is required.

Mike M · May 22, 2019

IIRC when mine did that it ended up needing new wheel cylinders. I think they would stick and then fly out and grab.

tlock0331 · May 22, 2019

i have a 99 1-ton dually, crew cab 4 whl, and its done it from day i bought it, only happens when i first start out, but it doesnt happen every time, i cant seem to find anything consistent about how often.

I dont lose much sleep over it, this winter i plan on converting over to disk rear brakes and install all new stainless lines and a hydroboost anyway.

i dont drive it enough to lose any sleep over it on a day to day.

Determined · May 22, 2019

(quoted from post at 18:33:24 05/21/19) I bought a new to me 98 Chevy 3500 Dually with 454 motor, auto trans, set up for a gooseneck trailer to haul my tractor with. It has 107,000 miles and motor, interior and outside is clean, just one rust spot in the cab corner. When you first drive it after setting a while, the first 3 or 4 times that you apply the brakes the rear wheels lock up and slide. After that it drives normal, no brake dragging or pulling to one side. I know that I'll have to pull the wheels and check it out, just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience? Thanks, Chris

Reading what you posted, both rear wheels are locking up, not just one side.

Not likely a leak or fault has developed on both sides at the exact same time.

Typically brakes do not suddenly develop super powers.

If the rears are locking up it is usually because the front brakes have a problem and are not doing their fair share of the work.

And visa versa if a front wheel is locking up.

Tractor Hauler Brakes

super99

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9001ron

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roy prins

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504

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showcrop

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Mike M

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tlock0331

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Determined

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