For the past little while I've had some squealing on the brakes and it sounds like it's coming from the back. I changed my fronts last year and they are doing well.

But, just today, I'm getting what can only be described as a growling when braking and it feels that the brakes lock up a small bit until I accelerate and then they unlock, that doesn't happen all the time but a few of the times today.

Now when in reverse, Most of the time today I get a severe growling I can feel in the pedal I think.

I took off my drivers side rear tire and I checked the discs and while brake pad on those didn't look as good as the new ones I bought, they didn't look like they were worn out either. I'm going to check the passenger side, perhaps that's where the sound is coming from.

Unless, having a tire blow out on me 2 weeks ago caused a bearing problem of some sort? It's odd because the growling on happens when I apply the brakes and usually when I back up. The squealing has been going on for a little while.

Oh yeah, it's a 97 F 150 XL 4x4 with a 4.6L and it's a Scab Long Box. Rear disc brakes.

 

Well, I took off the right read side tire and drum cover and wham, a spring fell out, some other stuff too. Wow. I think that's the problem.

One question though, since I might be too busy, can I at least drive this thing to the garage to get fixed? Or is the vehicle non movable? It's been broken for probably some time, days or so, so I'm wondering if this is safe.

 

If you pulled the drum and brake parts fell out, clearly, then, that brake is almost certainly non-functional or at the very least severely compromised.

Assuming a single non-functional brake, then yes, the car should be drivable to get to a repair shop. In fact the brake system is split into two redunant systems (front and rear) so that if one half fails the other will continue to work.

Don't use this as an excuse to drive with faulty brakes, though - repair it yourself or get to a shop ASAP!

Steve

 

Yup, that's what I did. It was the rear passenger side and the brake adjustment clip was broken and a few springs busted. It's going to the garage as soon as they have time to work on it.

I was thinking getting the one side machined or see if I can find a nice price on a new drum. I got a good price on Monroe premium brake discs though.

Thanks for your info. I had to drive today because my newborn son was going to the doctor. All is well. Plus he got a Winnipeg Blue Bombers Jersey, a Vintage Winnipeg Jets pendant and a Bomber football. I even got myself a new Winnipeg Jets hat. Nice. Oh yeah, I'm a huge fan and I believe the Jets will come back to Winnipeg. Gotta teach my son all about our REAL hockey team that will come back one day.