Drum Brake - need help
 

1970 C20 - So I was doing a engine swap and decided to do a ton of work while the engine was out. One of those things was changing springs on the front right drum brake. After swapping the springs the drum won't fit back over the shoes. I can tilt them a bit and get it started but they won't go back on. I screwed the expander back in all the way and it just won't go. I took the driver side off for comparison and they look identical. It's just a shade too tight. Heck. If I had a slightly worn shoe I'd swap it.

I measured the diameter of both and their almost identical.

Any ideas on getting this thing back on?

I have a new motor and can't drive it cause of the wheel.

Re: Drum Brake - need help
 

Check the plungers in your wheel cylinders. If they aren't seated all the way, they can cause the shoes to be in the "Applied" position. You can also open the bleeder and see if the shoes retract. It's pretty common for the hoses to collapse or swell and not let fluid return from the wheel cyl. In that case you may need to replace the hose(s) to get it to work right.(they're probably over 40 years old anyway).

Re: Drum Brake - need help
 

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I'm with Panel. Sounds like the pistons are in the expanded position in the wheel cylinder. Peel the rubber back and see if the pistons are even with the edge of the wheel cylinder or if they are recessed..... Also check for corrosion.

LockDoc