how do you release the brakes?

[1990AWD]

is there a way to release the brakes? I think they're holding me back because I should be able to push the car when its in neutral on flat ground but something feels like its holding it and the car lacks power.

 

[Rob10_99]

My awd is always a pure pain in the ass to move on flat land. A little downhill is all it needs to push like a geo metro.

The brake system shouldn't have any pressure on the pads without your foot on the brake. Is your ebrake sticking? Get under there with/without the tires on it and have someone else pull it up and release a few times.
With all 4 wheels in the air you should be able to turn the wheel with some resistance, there's a lot of things to move!

 

[1990AWD]

well I discovered my front passenger brake was seized. I tried to jam it loose as best as I could and it really made a difference. I'm also gonna reset the timing belt for the fourth time just to make sure thats right...again.

 

[TastyTalon]

AWD's are a pain to getting rolling. Glad you found the problem without too much hassle!

 

[steve]

Last time my AWD was hard to roll around the drive shaft u-joints were toast. After replacing them the car rolled really easy.

If yours doesn't then something is creating drag, be that the brakes, rear diff, driveshaft, transfercase, center diff, etc.

 

[1990AWD]

Last time my AWD was hard to roll around the drive shaft u-joints were toast. After replacing them the car rolled really easy.

If yours doesn't then something is creating drag, be that the brakes, rear diff, driveshaft, transfercase, center diff, etc.

I know I have to replace the brakes and will as soon as I can afford to, but is there a way to tell if the u-joints are gone or if there is a problem with the t-case and/or rear diff? I've freshly changed oil in both.

 

[knochgoon24]

Grab the driveshaft on each side of the u-joint and try to rotate them in opposite directions. Any play is a sign that the needle bearings in the joint are toast and that the joint needs replaced.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-drivetrain/319347-how-replace-u-joint-universal-joint.html

 

[1990AWD]

Grab the driveshaft on each side of the u-joint and try to rotate them in opposite directions. Any play is a sign that the needle bearings in the joint are toast and that the joint needs replaced.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-drivetrain/319347-how-replace-u-joint-universal-joint.html

okay I'll do that tomorrow thanks for the help

 

[steve]

I had no play, they were just crunchy when you moved them through their range of motion.