5 replies to this topic

[BaronVonchesto]

Was checking my brakes the other day and I found that no matter what i did the rear left brake would spin almost freely. Figured the brake drum had worn, so I went and got a new pair.

 

Today I fitted the new ones on, and I still can't set the left one correctly. it's much better than before in that I can tighten the square screw to the point that the wheel spins with resistance and can't complete a revolution when rotated by hand, but I've tightened the nut all the way and I can't get it to lock up the wheel no matter how tight I make it.

 

For now I've settled on tightening it to the point that it spins with heavy resistance when rotated with one hand, but if I use two hands, its still easy to spin. What else could be the cause of the brake not pressing sufficiently against the drum?

 

Brake shoes are pretty new. I replaced them with new ones in 2019 and there's plenty of material left. The car's only done about 10k miles since replacing the shoes - mostly motorway, so I doubt its the brake shoes. Oh and I've made suer the shoes are on in the correct orientation (leading edge to trailing edge)

Edited by BaronVonchesto, 11 August 2022 - 05:14 PM.

[sonscar]

The screw in wedge could have cut into the two sliding wedges that form the adjuster,thus reducing the total adjustment possible,Just a thought,Steve..
Similarly the ends of the shoes can become deformed at both ends.

Edited by sonscar, 11 August 2022 - 05:20 PM.

[BaronVonchesto]

The screw in wedge could have cut into the two sliding wedges that form the adjuster,thus reducing the total adjustment possible,Just a thought,Steve..
Similarly the ends of the shoes can become deformed at both ends.

 

hmm good point. I'll replace the brake adjuster and tappets.

[Spider]

I have had new shoes in recent times that the frame where it sits up against the adjuster was about 3 mm shorter than the next lot I pulled off the shelf. These were similar to yours that I just couldn't get them adjusted up no matter what.

[BaronVonchesto]

I have had new shoes in recent times that the frame where it sits up against the adjuster was about 3 mm shorter than the next lot I pulled off the shelf. These were similar to yours that I just couldn't get them adjusted up no matter what.

 

this is probably the reason. Replacing the adjusters did help however. I still can't get it to 'bite' quite right, but its much better than before, so i'd say good enough for now.

 

I'll probably need to look into replacing the shoes.

[weef]

You will have to replace the shoes if you have fitted new brake drums.  If the original drums were oversize then the profile of the brake shoes will be worn to suit no matter how little use you perceive they have.

Fit new shoes and pull off springs, check the adjuster mechanism for wear and replace as required, and check the handbrake mechanism is fully functional and back off the handbrake cables.  Now adjust up at the wheels, then tighten the handbrake cables. Initially  do not worry too much about locking up with the adjuster, although this should be achievable, but adjust up until there is a "drag" felt. Run the vehicle for a few miles to let the shoes to "bed" in, then back off the handbrake cables and adjust at the wheels to suit. Now adjust up the handbrake.  DO NOT try to force this bedding in process with excessive braking, only drive/brake as normal.