Rear Brakes
 

I have a 1998 1500 Silverado, The rear brake hang up. If I pull up to a stop light and start going again the rear brakes seem to HANG ON. There is a pop and they seem to release. Any clues????

Re: Rear Brakes
 

My first guess would be either a leaky wheel cylinder or axle seal. Have you removed the drum to see how it looks?

Re: Rear Brakes
 

When is the last time the drum brakes were inspected? I've seen instances where the brake shoe actually wears a gouge in the backing plate and could hang up the brake shoe in the "relaxed" position. Maybe there's a broken or weakened return spring. Either way the drum needs to come off for inspection. I just thought of something else; the master cyl. has a check valve. Could be a lot of gunk build-up in the MC. That happens too. A flush couldn't hurt.

Re: Rear Brakes
 

That is where I wold start. I had it happen on a car before.

How do you know it's the rear
 

First how do you know it's the rear?

One way to find out is instead of using the brake pedal to stop, use the E brake pedal. See brake lines below.

Second, find out if it's one side versus the other or both. On the rear, it's not likely to be a spring if both sides are hanging. The chances of a spring being broke on both sides is astronomical.

If both rears are hanging, it's likely the rubber brake lines. The lines have a liner that softens over time. As the mc piston moves back it creates a suction that will pull the softened liner in on itself. When this happens, it holds the brake on.

If it's the front hanging it is most likely the hoses collapsing.

BTW if your brake fluid is black, change it right away. New fluid is clear and your fluid in the reservoir should be close to clear.