* Rear Brake Adjustment: The most likely culprit is that your rear brakes are simply out of adjustment. Drum brakes (most likely on a Sunfire of that year) need periodic adjustment to maintain the correct clearance between the shoes and the drum. If they're too tight, they'll drag and grab. This is usually easily fixed with a simple adjustment (though you'll need to know how to do this or have a mechanic do it).
* Sticky Brake Cylinders (Wheel Cylinders): The wheel cylinders in the rear brakes push the brake shoes outward. If these cylinders are sticking or leaking internally, the brakes will drag. This is a more serious problem requiring replacement of the wheel cylinders. Leaking wheel cylinders will also cause brake fluid leaks.
* Seized Brake Shoes: The brake shoes themselves can become seized or rusted to the backing plates. This will prevent them from retracting properly. This is usually associated with infrequent use or exposure to moisture.
* Parking Brake Cable: A slightly out-of-adjustment or binding parking brake cable can contribute to rear brake drag. Check to ensure the parking brake fully disengages.
* Contaminated Brake System: In rare cases, contaminated brake fluid (water, air, or other contaminants) can affect the responsiveness and operation of the brakes. This would usually affect all brakes but could manifest differently depending on the system's layout.
* Damaged Brake Drums: Severe rust, scoring, or deformation of the brake drums can interfere with brake shoe movement and cause them to bind.
What to do:
1. Check your brake fluid level: Low fluid suggests a leak – a serious issue that needs immediate attention.
2. Visually inspect the rear brakes: Look for obvious signs of damage, rust, or leaks around the wheel cylinders and brake drums.
3. Attempt to adjust the rear brakes yourself (if you're comfortable doing so). There are many online resources and videos showing how to adjust drum brakes. If you're not mechanically inclined, skip this step and take it to a mechanic. Incorrect adjustment can worsen the problem.
4. Take your car to a qualified mechanic: If you cannot adjust the brakes yourself, or if you find any signs of damage or leaks, have a mechanic diagnose and repair the problem. This is the safest course of action to prevent further damage and ensure your braking system is safe and reliable. Ignoring this could lead to brake failure.
Ignoring dragging brakes is dangerous. It can lead to overheating brakes, reduced fuel economy, and potentially brake failure. Address this issue promptly.
