1995 Chevy Cavalier Brakes locking up.

KCDOUGMAN2

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
157,000 MILES

When I attempt to stop my car it drops the back end and will lock up. I was told the computer was not registering the abs ( the light was on). We replaced the abs modulator and still the problem persists. When its wet out it will send me through a light skidding. When its dry I can tap the brack and the wheels spin locking up. If I was in Nascar that would be ok but as a mom with small children not so much. I have been told the pads are fine and basically have stumpped everyone ahhhh can you think of anything?

2 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Try a simple test get car on lift all 4 wheels off ground. Apply brakes do the fronts hold the wheel?
If not no front brakes. Have abs coded could be solenoid problem.

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Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 AT 8:38 AM

COBRAPWR95

MEMBER
1 POST

I have had this exact same problem on my 1998 cavalier, and I've finally found the cause of the problem. Check to see if your rear brake shoes are riveted or bonded. If they are riveted they will have holes in the pads themselves connecting them to the metal backing. If you don'see holes in the pads then you have bonded style pads and these are your problem. The bonded style pads heat up too quickly and expand causing them to fill up the drum area and lock up the tire. So when this happens there is not enough pressure being applied to your front brakes as your rears are locked up, causing the skid. I've switched to the O.E. Rivted style pads and everything is back to normal. Good, hard, nose diving stops and no more rear squatting and skidding! Hope this helps!