What did I do wrong?
 

I'm rebuilding my rear drum brakes. I got the drivers side back together and I can't even turn the wheel at all when it's jacked up. I didn't replace the shoes because they looked fine. However, I did have it completely apart. New springs and cylinders. Also, the adjusters are turned all the way in. Any ideas?

Re: What did I do wrong?
 

Some questions:
Did you have trouble putting drum back on?
Did you do any adjustments afterwards?
Did it move freely right after you installed the drum?
Did you step on the brake after you installed it?

Loosen the bleed valve to see if it releases the pressure. If it does, then something is keeping the fluid from returning. Suspect a collapsed rubber hose on top of the axle (common failure).

If not then it's time to take it back out and take another look to make sure everything is in correctly.

Re: What did I do wrong?
 

Well, since I posted this I got the other side back together and it turns fine. So I guess I did that side right.

Yes, I had a little trouble getting the drum back on. That was my first clue.

I haven't even hooked the lines back up yet, so I know it's not pressure on the cylinders.

Re: What did I do wrong?
 

After inspecting it again, I think the e-brake cable may have been holding the shoes open. I seem to remember the drum being a little hard to get off when I pulled it. The cable is definitely stuck. No budging. So, I've got a new one on order and it all blown apart again. Hopefully, this will do it.

Re: What did I do wrong?
 

:metal: Good deal.

I've heard that you can break those cables free by soaking them in diesel and/or spraying them with penetrating oil.

The recommended procedure is to use the parking brake periodically to keep it from freezing up.

Re: What did I do wrong?
 

Yeah, besides being stuck about half of the wires that make it up are broken up at the front. Time for a new one.