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Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:57 am

My 79's brakes locked up the other day and I pulled the tires off and the broke the drums free. there was some minor rust as expected. Thanks for the help to all in the forums but what I couldn't find was a way to prevent this from happening again. Obviously new drums is one way but is there another option such as sanding, or some sort of sprays etc.....Thanks again to all as I'm just coming up one my one year anniversary as a bus owner and saved alot of money on repairs due to the helpful contributors on the Samba forums.

Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:17 am

I would start by inspecting/cleaning/relubricating all of the hardware back there and making sure that the star wheels are free turning and that the e-brake is properly adjusted. My favorite mix is 50/50 of anti-sieze and wheel bearing grease.

New backing plates are a plus if you have the dough.

Then I would replace the rubber brake hoses if they have not been replace under your ownership tenure.

Personally I would try sanding the brake drums with 120 grit paper in two 45º cross hatch patterns and reinstall them to see if that helps any. If not new ones are not that bad to buy.

Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:08 pm

mrbarth wrote: My 79's brakes locked up the other day and I pulled the tires off and the broke the drums free. there was some minor rust as expected. Thanks for the help to all in the forums but what I couldn't find was a way to prevent this from happening again. Obviously new drums is one way but is there another option such as sanding, or some sort of sprays etc.....Thanks again to all as I'm just coming up one my one year anniversary as a bus owner and saved alot of money on repairs due to the helpful contributors on the Samba forums.

Easiest way is to park it in gear and do NOT pull the parking brake.

Your problem happens 100% of the time in damp climates.

It will happen again whether you sand or replace the drums. Just like a mirror steaming up after taking a shower.