2011 Ram 1500 brakes locking up???

[Keithc]

First of all, Thanks in advance for any help!! So last week I was backing out of my driveway when all of a sudden my truck stopped like I hit something behind me. Scared the **** out of me! Put it in drive and pulled forward a few feet then jumped out to see what I hit?? Nothing!!?? So put it back in reverse and started backing up again. This time got a bit further and did the same thing. Pulled back forward into driveway and then reverse again, wouldn't move, so gave some gas and that seemed to brake it free. Drove away and went about my day. Been fine since then till today. Now today started to back out of drive and within 10' the brakes locked up again and this time won't break free. Had to push gas pedal until truck dragged rear tires back up into driveway. Scary because I was worried it was going to break free and send me thru my garage door. Anyways, I did pull of rear tires and brake calipers to check pads and operation and seems to be working as should. After that I attempted to back out of drive and only moved about a foot before locked up again in forward or reverse. Also noticed parking brake no longer has tension at the pedal and line has fair amount of slack. I'll be adjusting that tomorrow. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again

 

[RamCares]

First of all, Thanks in advance for any help!! So last week I was backing out of my driveway when all of a sudden my truck stopped like I hit something behind me. Scared the **** out of me! Put it in drive and pulled forward a few feet then jumped out to see what I hit?? Nothing!!?? So put it back in reverse and started backing up again. This time got a bit further and did the same thing. Pulled back forward into driveway and then reverse again, wouldn't move, so gave some gas and that seemed to brake it free. Drove away and went about my day. Been fine since then till today. Now today started to back out of drive and within 10' the brakes locked up again and this time won't break free. Had to push gas pedal until truck dragged rear tires back up into driveway. Scary because I was worried it was going to break free and send me thru my garage door. Anyways, I did pull of rear tires and brake calipers to check pads and operation and seems to be working as should. After that I attempted to back out of drive and only moved about a foot before locked up again in forward or reverse. Also noticed parking brake no longer has tension at the pedal and line has fair amount of slack. I'll be adjusting that tomorrow. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again

Hi Keithc,

Sorry to hear about this! If you end up deciding to visit a certified dealership for further diagnosis I'd be happy to offer assistance if needed. Just send us a PM with your VIN and let me know.

Andrea
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[SHOOT2KILL]

Definitely the parking brake actuator...Ive had it happen on a few occasions over the years as the truck gets older and parts get corroded...Most times it happened to me was when I hit a major pothole and jarred the suspension...I remember one time I had to beat the P.B. arm with a hammer to get it to disengage...

 

[Jeepwalker]

Is that an air actuated motor ....or electric?

 

[Keithc]

Definitely the parking brake actuator...Ive had it happen on a few occasions over the years as the truck gets older and parts get corroded...Most times it happened to me was when I hit a major pothole and jarred the suspension...I remember one time I had to beat the P.B. arm with a hammer to get it to disengage...

Thanks for the help. I am trying to remove the disc now but its so corroded and stuck on. I did get the parking brake shoes to release by loosening the adjuster and hitting the disc with hammer. Soaking areas I can with wd40, hope it helps to free the disc now. Still not sure what the actuator is but once I get the disc off I should be able to figure out whats going on.