8 replies to this topic

[rhys-89]

Hi all my car has got new wheel cylinders and shoes all round. I have drum brakes on front with single adjusters for each shoe my brakes were adjusted by the garage befor the m.o.t, the tollorencer of brake embalence is 25% either way my wheels are 36% out but all braking system is new the garage said they will have a look tomorrow does anyone know what the problem might be ???? Brakes all meet the requirement for stopping time it's just there out !

[jayare]

What age is your Mini? Single leading shoe brakes were discontinued in 1963 - any later and it should have twin leading shoe brakes which have 2 adjusters per side - one is hidden behind the steering arm and may have been missed. If you paid the garage to adjust the brakes to within MoT standards then that's what they should have done (and clearly haven't!)

JR

[rhys-89]

What age is your Mini? Single leading shoe brakes were discontinued in 1963 - any later and it should have twin leading shoe brakes which have 2 adjusters per side - one is hidden behind the steering arm and may have been missed. If you paid the garage to adjust the brakes to within MoT standards then that's what they should have done (and clearly haven't!)

JR

It's a 74 plate and yes I no it has 2 adjusters per side garage said the brakes have been adjusted and meet the requirements per wheel but the difference between both front wheels is more than 25%

[pikey7]

possibly the brake hoses. They can expand over time.

[rhys-89]

possibly the brake hoses. They can expand over time.

Could be as I haven't changed them

[tommy13]

Adjustment has little effect on braking effort, but has more to do with pedal travel, although when the pedal is near the top of it's travel your foot is at a better angle to apply more pressure to it.
Other factors which effect braking effort are,
Contamination of the shoe/drum with grease, brake fluid or water.
Shoes fitted with the leading edge facing the wrong way.
Poor friction surface inside the brake drum e.g scored or worn oversize.
Slave cylinders which look the same, but in fact have different diameter pistons.
Brake adjusters turned in the wrong direction so the shoe is pushed sideways so it is no longer in the centre of the drum, but gives a slight binding feeling which may lead you to think the adjustment is correct.
Shoe not sitting against the backplate or bent backplate so the shoe is not presented square to the friction surface inside the drum.

Given that you have new shoes, contamination is not likely. Perhaps they need a good run with a few heavy applications to bed the new shoes in, after which it may be useful to remove the drums and check the linings to see the contact patterns on them.

[rhys-89]

Thanks so much for your descriptive msg hope it's an easy problem trouble is car won't pass m.o.t without brakes being fixed so can't bed them in :-s

[tommy13]

Thanks so much for your descriptive msg hope it's an easy problem trouble is car won't pass m.o.t without brakes being fixed so can't bed them in :-s

You are allowed to take the car away from the MOT station to a place of repair ( could be your home) and back again for a retest. The rules are layed out on the back of the fail certificate I think. This may give you the opportunity you need to bed in the brakes.

[minidaves]

brakes should pull square if all new and good, sounds like either flexy hoses are faulty, drums are worn, or system not adjsuted or bleed properly.

dave