Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

On Friday I was driving in near 100 degree heat for about 30 mins in stop and go traffic. When I got to where I was going, I had to back into a parking spot and the brakes were dragging pretty bad. I know if the rears because the e-brake handle had lots of slack. It seemed to only be dragging in reverse.

Are my rear brakes too tight? Or is this one of those things that happens when its really hot out?

My poor truck got up to about 220 degrees, oil pressure was down, and it didn't really want to charge. Is summer over yet?

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

I'd suggest pulling the rear drums and take a look at the adjustment. See if there are self-adjusters in there that aren't set up properly.

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

nothing looks odd under the drum from what I can see. I just replaced all the hardware, shoes, wheel cylinder, soft lines, etc about 3 weeks ago. I am pretty sure that it doesn't have self adjusters. Its a 61.


I drove the truck now and it seems fine. It rolls normally at an idle, and backs up ok. Its also, MUCH cooler out right now.

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

Also check to see if shorter and longer shoes are in their correct respective places--the shorter one goes to the front.
Sam

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

Ill have to check that. Not sure which one is in front...

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

A little update on this. Finally was able to get to a flat spot to work and pulled the drums. I have all the big shoes on the front wheels, and the small shoes on the back. Looks like Monday ill be moving shoes around....

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

Check to make sure the emergency brake cables are not too tight or sticking. If the shoes are not returning to the anchors it can cause a drag.

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

Hey, my response in #4 meant that EACH WHEEL uses a short lining on its front and a longer lining on its rear. Glad you found your misplacement of the linings: now you are on the right track. Enjoy the outcome of your upcoming job well done.;)
Sam

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

You said, " the brakes were dragging pretty bad. I know if the rears because the e-brake handle had lots of slack." Usually, if all else is correct, lots of slack in the e-brake handle would indicate rear brakes adjusted TOO LOOSELY.
Sam

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

Cool. Thanks Sam!

Re: Rear Drums Dragging in Reverse?
 

I had the pic that shows the front. Should help folks see how they go together.
Jimmy