GMC Jimmy rear brakes

Polly in NNY · #1 09/21/05, 03:13 PM

I'm at work and I went out and noticed that the rear brake drum is leaking on the 1988 Jimmy. Checked the brake fluid reservoir and the rear brake part is empty. The front brake reservoir is still full. I started it up and drove around the parking lot and still have brakes, albeit just front brakes. What are some possible scenarios of what the problem is, it is definitely leaking around the brake drum, the brake line in to the drum is fine, no corrosion or anything. I can't get a hold of my husband so...... any help or comments are appreciated.

**Cabin Fever** · #2 09/21/05, 04:11 PM

The seal (o-rings) in the rear brake cylinder are worn and leaking. You can either rebuild the cylinder or buy one already re-built. When you're finished, you're gonna have to bleed the brake system. If the shoes are worn or are soaked with brake fluid they should be replaced, too (both sides).

Polly in NNY · #3 09/21/05, 04:32 PM

Still can't get a hold of my husband. Will it be OK to drive home?

fordy · #4 09/21/05, 05:51 PM

............I believe you have expanding drum type brakes on the rear . If , that brake fluid coats those asbestos brake shoes it will render them pretty much useless and they could possibly catch on fire . You would be smart to call around and find a good garage and have BOTH rear brakes rebuilt for your peace of mind and safety . fordy..

**Cabin Fever** · #5 09/21/05, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polly in NNY

Still can't get a hold of my husband. Will it be OK to drive home?

I'm probably too late, but if it were me and I knew how to get home on backroads, I would drive home. You still have front brakes and hopefully your emergency brake is still operable. Most of your general braking is done with the front brakes....that is why they wear out faster than the rear brakes.