locked up wheel??

[rex]

i dont see a brakes or wheel section so i guess this is the right place to ask this question. I have a locked up wheel, how do i go about it?? Its also weird because its jacked up, the front drive shaft is disengaged and sometime the wheel will spin by hand both ways and sometimes not at all in backwards. Why is this? Both front wheels are doing this.

 

[CJ]

Is the brake shoe hanging? There is a small opening at the bottom of the backing plate (should have a rubber grommet plug in it). The opening allows you to get at the star wheel adjuster. Try backing it off and loosen up the brakes a little.

It's easiest to do if you have a drum adjusting tool (spoon) but you can get by with a very thin screw driver. You want to turn the wheel so it rotates up by pushing on the bottom (into the adjusting lever).

 

[elwood blues]

I have to answer your question with questions. What front axle? What Transfer Case ? Drum brakes or discs? I'm pretty sure a 74 CJ5 has stock front drums, but I have to ask.

I need a little more info before I can give you an educated guess.


edit: CJ beat me to it...

 

[rex]

I will give it a shot. So basically whats happened is that the drum brakes have worked to tight over time?? I have never worked on drums before. Why does the wheel only lock up when spinning counter clockwise? Sorry about the stupid questions i just interested in the mechanics, not just enough to get me going again.

 

[CJ]

The brakes are designed to tighten when backing up. They also may drag when turned as you backing up because of the way the shoes are designed.

I'm not sure if this is your problem, but that is where I would start.

 

[CJ]

~~~ Why does the wheel only lock up when spinning counter clockwise? ~~~

Both lock up when rotating counter clock wise? CCW on the right wheel is backing up but CCW on the left wheel is moving forward...

BTW - Did you ever pull the diff cover? I would really like to look at your carrier!

 

[IOPort51]

Elwood, CJ I think you are both right 1) we need more information and 2) I would like to look at the differential.

 

[rex]

i will try and get in and back off the brakes a little tomorrow. Then will get all the info off everything for you guys and a couple pics. Are there any specific angles or pics you guys want??

 

[CJ]

Just want to see a pic of the carrier... Want to determine if you have an open diff or not...

 

[baker9713]

I would suggest pulling the drum off to check for loose parts rolling around in the bottom. I've seen a few springs break and fall to the bottom of the drum, then get wedged between a shoe and the drum.

 

[rex]

wont be till tomorrow, i will keep you guys posted.