Rear drum brake rubbing

[66/87chevy]

I just finished doing a rear brake job on my 87 3/4 ton 4x4. Everything seemed to be OK until I drove it about 20miles and then I could smell the driver side rear brakes. So I jacked up the rear and tried to spin both sides. The passenger side spins perfect, but the driver side won't spin. WFT is going on ??? I did have a hell of a time getting the drums to go on but I finally got them to slide on. Anyone ever have this problem ?

[Firebirdjones]

When ever doing a rear shoe job, I always back the adjusters down completely, then with the drum on, I'll adjust them up until slight drag, and back off a few clicks. I also lube the backing plates with lithium grease so the shoes move freely and won't possibly hang.

I'll also check the e-brake adjustment just to make sure that's not dragging the brakes. Hope that helps.

[66/87chevy]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

When ever doing a rear shoe job, I always back the adjusters down completely, then with the drum on, I'll adjust them up until slight drag, and back off a few clicks. I also lube the backing plates with lithium grease so the shoes move freely and won't possibly hang.

I'll also check the e-brake adjustment just to make sure that's not dragging the brakes. Hope that helps.

OK I have the adjusters backed all they way down. But with them all the way down the top of the pads are not home all the way. So it makes sliding on the drum a real pain. It's almost like the springs aren't strong enough to pull them in. I have all new springs, new brake cylinders, pads, the drums have been turned, new brake bar, and a new e-brake lever, with all new cables from drum to the pedal. The other side was a pain in the ass but I finally got the drum to go on with now problems. I thought the driver side was OK until I drove it and then they started to hang up.

How do you make adjustments on the adjusters? My truck doesn't have anyway to do that with the drum on. Most vehicles I've done have had the little rubber cover on the backing plate to remove to have access to the adjuster. My 3/4 ton dose NOT have that. I'm a little confused on that part???

[Firebirdjones]

If the backing plate doesn't have the oval openings then generally you'll find them on the drum. In alot of cases they haven't been knocked out. Look closely around the outer diameter and see if there is an oval imprint. Knock that out with a punch and hammer, then you can install a rubber cover when finished.

[66/87chevy]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

If the backing plate doesn't have the oval openings then generally you'll find them on the drum. In alot of cases they haven't been knocked out. Look closely around the outer diameter and see if there is an oval imprint. Knock that out with a punch and hammer, then you can install a rubber cover when finished.

Ok yes they are on the front of the drum. I will give that a shot.

Thanks !!!

[OC 72]

Do you have the shoes on the right way? Sometimes..and I have done this before..I have installed the shoe backwards...and it rubs.

[66/87chevy]

Originally Posted by OC 72

Do you have the shoes on the right way? Sometimes..and I have done this before..I have installed the shoe backwards...and it rubs.

Yes I'm pretty sure??? The shorter pad goes toward the front ? Wright ?

[slugish]

just recently had similtar problem

Mine was e brake wasn.t releasing

Disconnected e brake on the sticking side > ok now

of course I now have only 1 side with e brake & Im ok with that .

[66/87chevy]

I'm done with these Dam Drum Brakes!!!! I orderd a set of disc brake brackets from RuffStuff on Friday,they should be here next week some time. Today I went down to Wrench & Go and scored on a pair of front calipers off of a 85 Suburban. I will do the swap next weekend. I also got the Kickdown switch & the wiring from the Suburban. YES!!!!! I will finally be able to get the trany to kick down just from stoping the pedal Can't wait for that !!!!!