Rear drum or bearing-smoke

[bluedog225]

Quick question.

I drove my SMB about 1000 miles a few weeks ago. No problems.

I drove for about 10 minutes yesterday and the rear drum was smoking. Not too bad. About like a cigarette. I wouldn't know the difference between burning grease and burning brake fluid.

It was not smoking after the next 15 minute drive.

No noise.

I am thinking a small brake fluid leak. I will monitor the levels. I had the front brakes professionally redone 2000 miles ago.

If this were a bearing going bad, what would the warning signs be? Smoke and flame?

The hub and wheel were cool to the touch.

Thanks

Tom

[Ford_6L_E350]

Could the parking brake have been engaged for the smoking drive? If the wheel and hub are cool, it is unlikely, but not much else comes to mind.

Mike

[WVvan]

A "small brake fluid leak" is like "a little bit pregnant".
If you're not comfortable pulling the wheel yourself have it checked ASAP.
Consider how important the brakes are it's worth the $20-$40 a garage will probably charge to check it out.
I once was driving a vehicle when the brake system totally failed. It's not a experience you'll ever want to repeat.

[carringb]

Most likely your axle seals are done, and the axle is dripping gear oil into the drums. On the disc brake full float axle, it's about a 30 minute job per side. I'm not sure about the drum equipped vans, but probably the same since the Fords have slide-off drums. Since you have a '95 it's probably a full-floater?

If there is a brake fluid leak it would most likely be from the brake cylinder. It would be easy to pop the drum off and take a peak.