Why are my rear brakes smoking hot?

[Thomas DeBusk]

Just got back from a 25-mile drive and my rear brake drums are really hot. Can't touch 'em. I thought I had a problem with the right rear brake cable hanging up a couple of months ago, but the machanic I had look at it then said it wasn't doing that when he looked at it.

How likely is it that the brake cable is quirky and only somethimes hangs up? Is there a way to tell if the cable is only hanging up sometimes?

Anybody got any suggestion? I'll probably work on this over this weekend.

Thanks,
Thomas

[porkchop]

Is it the whole drum or more in the center? It could be your rear wheel bearings. When they start to go they heat up REAL good, trust me!

[reddog]

It is possible that your emergency brake cables are frayed or corroded. Make sure that that e-brake cables are loose under the truck and the brake is off then drive it. If the heat is still happening then check thoose bearings like PC says.

Kerry

[Millerluck]

How did it smell?

Like break dust?
Or burnt gear lube?

Jack it up and see how hard it turns?

Does it make any howling noise when going down the road? If so then bearings are shot.

Later

Larry Miller