10 replies to this topic

[MINICOOPJOHN]

The front nearside drum is binding and a remedy isn't possible as the drum is 'well and truly stuck on'.

 

I have tried loosening the adjuster, tapping the drum to try and vibrate it loose and lastly warming the drum up with a hair dryer.

 

Any ideas? 

[carbon]

There are two adjusters per drum for twin leading shoe front brakes, have you slackened both off fully?

[MINICOOPJOHN]

Thank you for your reply.

 

I had 'forgotten' about the adjuster lurking behind the front suspension!

 

However the drum is well stuck. Had a session today at 'waggling' adjusters on the rear of the back plate along with shocking the drum with a hammer.

 

It has become slightly looser but the drum still cannot be removed. I need to try and generate some pulling force.

 

Any further advice please.

[Northernpower]

You need to back the adjusters fully off, if the drums have built up rust on the inside the lip will be quite big and will foul the shoes. Until you back the adjusters off the drum will not pass over the shoes, if you try and pull the drum the shoes will catch and wedge against the inside of the drum locking it up even tighter.

[Retroman]

If the adjusters move you are in with a chance.

 

I assume you are using a square headed spanner and not open ended.

 

Put some easing fluid on each and work backwards and forward trying to move more in the slackening direction.

 

Keep putting some fluid on and working them they should free up.

 

If not, they need some heat...as in a flame

 

You can get a screw driver or preferably a pry bar under the drum in the centre witch might help, but the adjusters will still need backing off.

 

Before refitting the drums its worth taking the very outside edge off  inside (on a lathe)

 

There will be a small ridge inside and that causes the issue worse.

 

Also put some copper slip where the adjusters contact the back plate and work it in. Wipe any excess off.

[MINICOOPJOHN]

Thank you for your help. I did everything that you suggested but still wouldn't come off.

As I'm sure you all know there comes a time for a bit of 'brute force and ignorance'.

I have a puller and with a bit of ingenuity to get the legs behind the drum edges I used it to get the drum off.

 

There was a 'lip' on the edge of the drum and this has been ground away.

 

However I now have the problem of getting it back on. It doesn't look as if it will 'easily' go back on. Am I facing the original problem?

 

Any ideas? Currently thinking that the drum could do with a slight skim if that is possible.

 

Thanks again for your thoughts. 

[Northernpower]

If there is a lip on the drum big enough to stop it going back on then it will have a lot of wear on it. You need to fit new drums.

[MINICOOPJOHN]

Had a thought. The brake shoes are new. Are there such things as 'dodgy' brake shoes. ie slightly thicker by manufacture?

[Retroman]

Have you backed the adjusters are right off ?

 

The shoes need to be central too.

 

Not sure about shoes, could be thicker,

 

or the metal of the shoe not correct, maybe not seated correctly, it doesn't need much

[MINICOOPJOHN]

Hello,

The adjusters are definitely fully off. There has been a development this morning.

I noticed that the piston of one of the cylinders seemed further out than the other. Using callipers they show that this is 2 to 3mm. when compared.

 

This surely can't be right. I struggle to understand that a piston could stick in this way.

 

At the present time my plan is to change both cylinders.

 

Will keep those who have helped me informed of events when I have changed the cylinders.

[Cooperman]

We are dealing with brakes here - safety critical.
The best thing with a brake problem like this on an old classic car is to replace hydraulic cylinders, drums and linings.
That way you know it is safe.