Problem with brakes?

[MrWheelHop]

my rear drum brakes seam to drag.. i put new pads on and the drums were fine... i can\'t get the drum back on over the shoes?the shoes seam to be out of alinement or something beucuase the drum won\'t go ove them... also my e brake doesn\'t work becuas of that little 4 in. bar inbetween the shoes.Any help please?!

[MrMouseMotor]

The bar between the pads is an adjuster. You need to turn that little gear on it with a screwdriver. It sets the compression of the pads against the drum with the pedal not depressed. Get it? Just find out what way to turn it to take the pressure off and youll be able to figure it out from there.

[MrWheelHop]

so the adjuster on the bottle of the brake assembly is my probelm.I should adjust it when the brakes are not pressed?is that wright?I have played with that adjuster before...does the adjuster automatically adjust it self when you are running the truck.since i have new pads should it be adjusted all the way in to it can afjust out as the pads wear in.Is any of this wright>? http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif

[IceQueen]

you need to grind the edge of the drum there more then likely is a lip which keeps the bads outside its caused from wear and tear also the adjuster needs to be moved to the point the drum fits but is fairly hard to turn if you dont adjust this right you\'ll have to much drag or your braking will suck from the rear once you get the adjustment right the brakes will adjust themselves.

[MrWheelHop]

thanks i am going to try that

[Fergusonic]

I\'ve always adjusted drum brakes by installing the wheel/tire, leave it up on the jack, foot off of brake pedal of course, spin wheel and continue adjusting the shoes outward. When you hear some dragging (shoes on drum) you know your getting there. Continue adjusting while spinning until the wheel has some drag....too much drag will cause the brakes shoes to prematurely wear and, initially, cause excessive heat. Adjust both sides with equal drag. When you test drive regardless if it\'s disc or drum do not slam on the brakes when you first apply them....ease them in as to break them in. good luck

[S10gator]

damn rear drum brakes!!! but i can\'t see paying the $$ to upgrade to rear disks!!!

[MrWheelHop]

I fou another problem tonight guys and girls... i took off my p. side drum and the bran new pads that i put on lst year HAD NO WEAR ON THEM!!all those times i was staging and my is started to spin.damit.i know why now.anyway i had gear oil all over the brakes... but just last year i replaced the wheel seal on that side when i did the rear brakes... i don\'t understand.my back brakes aren\'t doing anything they suck.i have to get them tonogether for this year.. i need stoping power.I can\'t figure out these brakes.one side won\'t adjust wright and the other is leaking oil though the seal and isn\'t adjusted at all.plus the brake bare thing that applies the brakes on the essembly isn\'t even stying in place.it keeps falling out.Damn i am mad.please help me if you ever when though this crap. http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_confused.gif http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif

[IceQueen]

When in doubt find a reputable garage and take it in show them the problem have them fix it and stay with them to make sure they do a good job if they wont let you in the back there not worth your time or money. sometimes ya just got to take it to someone else..

[Brett]

ok...hold everything,lets start over.one side has no wear so the wheel cylinder is probably froze,make sure the shorter shoe is in the front,get a hardware kit from any parts house to insure you have the right hardware,its only about ten bucks..

brake parts are generally inexpensive so do it right!2 wheel cylinders,new hardware,make sure the adjusters are turning freely,if not unscrew them ad some lube and clean the threads,have the drums machined-most shops will do both for about ten bucks,when assembeled have the adjuster all the way in!(remember short shoe towared the front of the vehicle)put the drum on.there should be a small slot on the bottom of each backing plate(sometimes you have to knock out a tab with a hammer and punch)adjust it untill the drum starts to drag slightly and repeat on the other side,its a good idea to put a few miles on a new set of shoes for a few days and readjust,the shoes need to break in alittle and could use a little more adjustment.

but truthfully if your not sure on the assembly or how to bleed brakes correctly forget this whole thing and take it to the shop!good luck..

[MrWheelHop]

thanks brett.I am going to check all of those.I am going to give it one more shot and it if doesn\'t work out this time i am going to a real shop.thanks http://www.s10v8.com/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif