1997 Toyota Tercel Rear Brake Lockup Fix

1997 TOYOTA TERCEL
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WARGOLD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi, I have a 97 toyota tercel whitehawk with 68,000 miles.... I am hearing a rubbing noise from
the back right tire area, then the back right tire locked up when pulling into my
driveway, I moved the car and it spun again but then heard a loud cracking noise?
Do you have any idea what this is and how much it may cost me to repair? Thanks
for your time.
Aug 2, 2006 at 3:14 AM
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SYNCRAIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 235 POSTS
after you heard the cracking sound have you tried to drive the car and if so does the back tire still lock up? im thinking you snapped one of the springs in the drum its a simple project if you have time and patience shouldnt cost more than 20$ to fix.......good luck :)
Aug 10, 2006 at 9:04 AM
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WARGOLD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok I took the drum off and found that it was a spring that held the automatic brake adjuster,and the adjuster had fallen off and looks like it got caught in between the shoe and caused the lock up. Now Can I drive the car without the adjuster until I get the new one in?
Aug 10, 2006 at 9:53 AM
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SYNCRAIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 235 POSTS
yes you can as long as the weel can turn freely...but i wouldnt advise doing it for long.....the auto adjuster compensates for the pad thinning due to use after a while you will start to notice your braking will get worse from that side so a few days i dont think is a problem but a few weeks id consider taking the bus....good luck :)
Aug 10, 2006 at 10:22 AM
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WARGOLD
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Great! Thanks for the help, Just have to drive it to go pick up the part so I should be fine. Again Thank you for your time.
Aug 10, 2006 at 10:27 AM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the broken rear drum-brake adjuster spring and reinstall the automatic adjuster. A short drive is acceptable if the wheel turns freely, but do not leave it unrepaired long because braking on that side will worsen.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Toyota Tercel had a rubbing noise at the rear right wheel, then the wheel locked and a cracking noise was heard. Inspection found the spring holding the automatic brake adjuster had broken, allowing the adjuster to fall and jam between the shoe and drum. The expert said a short drive is acceptable if the wheel turns freely, but the adjuster should be replaced soon because braking on that side will deteriorate.

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