12 replies to this topic

[1999 Rover Mini]

I have a 1999 Mini with Sportspack (so 13” wheels).

One of my rear brake cylinders was leaking so I decided to replace both rear brakes as they have never been touched.

I purchased complete rear drum brake assemblies & Superfin brake drums.

No probs with disassembly or repacking one wheel bearing & changing the other. Fitted the new brake assemblies but really struggled to get the new drums on with the adjusting screws all the way out. Nonetheless, they’re on, but I can barely turn the wheels. Ran out of time this evening but would you expect this situation to improve when I bleed the brakes & then try to adjust them again? It just doesn’t seem right to me but can’t see what I’ve done wrong? Any help greatly appreciated.

[Cooperman]

Tighten the adjusters until the wheel will not turn at all. Then bleed the braking system. Back off the adjusters until the wheels are slightly stiff to turn by hand.

After a few miles they will be fine.

[Spider]

What you've found here doesn't seem unusual with the Superfins. They seem to be a smidgen under 7.00", but it's not by much.

 

I've never worried about doing anything with them, I just fit them and in short time, the shoes wear enough for them to rotate normally.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

As Moke says, they will get there - and bed in nicely

 

I used to build rear frames up for people and fit what people wanted - and MiniFins and Superfins were one of many additions used,  they were common place for a slight bit of friction at first, but settle down well - so panic not

[1999 Rover Mini]

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated. I tightened them up solidly, bled the brakes & slackened them off a bit. One is fine & one barely turns but hopefully will be fine after a few miles of driving!

[Ethel]

Might be worth swapping side to side, you never know & at least you'll find out if it is actually the drum.

[imack]

Have you absolutely definitely fitted the shoes and hand brake linkage correctly?
Incorrectly fitting these components can cause problems fitting the drums.
There is some duff info and pictures online that will have you fitting everything wrong.
I have some nos 1980's ferrodo shoes, genuine early 70's super minifins with no wear and nos leyland adjusters and wedges and there's miles of adjustment available before the shoes drag.
I'd have to recheck shoe and handbrake linkage installation. The hand brake links are handed and if fitted to the wrong side of the car effectively have to be fitted upside down. This puts the shoes out of alignment and makes drum fitment difficult.
Got any pictures of installed shoes?

Edited by imack, 13 August 2020 - 07:48 PM.

[Cooperman]

Are the shoes in the correct way. It is very easy to get it wrong. It is worth checking this. We've all done it at some time!

I don't think you have any problem which won't disappear very quickly when the car is driven.

[1999 Rover Mini]

This is the near side one which is the tightest. I bought the brake assemblies as a complete unit so they should be set-up correctly.

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[1999 Rover Mini]

Another pic...

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[Ethel]

All looks good to me. The linings look pretty chunky, so maybe they do just need to "ride up with wear".

 

(other 70's sitcoms are available)

[1999 Rover Mini]

Thank you. Just been for a 20 mile test drive & they’ve freed-up a bit so all ok I think

[Ethel]

To my mind a good test is whether the car will roll to a standstill with no discernible stop.