Topic: brakes seized after removing transmission

[nccochrane]

Well, I just pulled out the engine and trans in my 66' convertible. I plan to put it on a trailer and drive it to a body guy to have some work done. Problem is, I was foolish and did not put it in neutral before pulling the trans. Now the brakes are seized and I cannot roll it on to the trailer. Is there any way to unseize the brakes? Would it have made a difference to have put it in neutral as I suspected? I suppose I could buy wheel dollys for the back end, but I rather not. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Bob

[Jeff73Mach1]

Transmission removal is completely independent of the brakes-you didn't screw up.  You just got bit by the shit happens bug

Assuming your driveshaft is out and the e-brake cables are not bound up and hung somehow, you may be able to reach around and use a short screw driver through the backing plate to turn the self adjusters in and free up the brakes.

It might be easier to remove the wheels to get to them, but not always necessary-

[nccochrane]

Thanks.  That's reassuring.  I removed the e-brake lever, so that's not the problem.  I will try the adjuster tonight and let you know.

[Jeff73Mach1]

How did it turn out?

[nccochrane]

Sorry I forgot to respond. It turns out they seized when the parking brake cable was pulled (I must have done that awhile ago).  The shoes just stuck against the drum. It took lots of effort to get the drum off, but then I was able to clean and adjust. All is well now. Thanks.