Working on a '63 Ghia. After removing and replaceing the rear brake shoes I can't get the drum to slide over the shoes on one side. Spent more than an hour trying to get the shoes properly centered so I can slide the drum on. New replacement shoes are the right size and seem just fine and the brake cylinders are fairly new replacements. I have closed the adjusting stars all the way to give me max room but still no go. Need another couple of mm for clearance. This morning I was thinking maybe it would have helped to crack the bleeder valve and see if I can push the brake cylinder in a bit more. No time to get out there and start to work again since it's a new work week. Do you think opening the bleeder valve should help me here or am I on the wrong track??
Thanks for your input. I'm a little sore after yesterday's brake fiasco.
Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
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- doc
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
Yes, often with new shoes, you have to back everything all the way down. Crack the bleeder and make sure the pistons are all the way in. Make sure the shoes are sitting correctly on their perches and not slightly hung up on something taller. Make sure the springs are sitting correctly. Centering "by eyeball should work fine. When everything is right, it will slide on, I bet. This has happened to me many times.
doc
doc
- bradey bunch
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
I have found that sometimes, they make the shoes just a little bit too big (even tho they look good by eye) and it is necessary to grind a bit off of the metal where it seats. Also, I know its obvious, but is your e brake off?
- Marc
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
Do the shoes match the adjusting screws? `65-`67 rear shoes look just like `58-`64 except for where they go into the adjuster slots. Early were "square" (perpendicular to the screw) while late were angled to match the late adjuster slot.
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
In addition to what Marc said, if you have the late adjuster screws and they are flipped 180º, you will have the problem you are seeing.
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
To follow up, I was able to slide the drum back on after cracking the bleeder valve and then presssing the cylinder all the way closed. Probably only about a teaspoon of brake fluid came out, didn't even have to bleed the brakes. Still learning new stuff after decades, even on routine maintenance.
- Marc
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
Keep an eye on that brake for a while, if the wheel cylinder's sticking it'll drag (drum will be hot). May be OK, at least until the shoes wear out and the piston(s) back out where it was hanging up.
- harryset
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Re: Tight brake fit after replacing rear brake shoes, help
Also, check your springs. I've seen more than one install the weaker of the two brake springs in the spot where the stronger spring is supposed to go. This keeps the wheel cylinder from returning back after stepping on the pedal.
'72 Standard
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185 60's, EMPI disc kit, EMPI 2 1/2" dropped spindles on the front.
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"I am the proud owner of a "Hoover Bit".
185 60's, EMPI disc kit, EMPI 2 1/2" dropped spindles on the front.
185 65's and stock binders on the back.
SecondSkin - Damplifier Pro and Luxury Liner Pro for sound control.