1969 C 10 drum brakes

[697498chevy]

Replaced the rear wheel cylinders as one was leaking . Figured I might as well replace the shoes . Couldn't get the new drum over the new shoes . Old drum that's been turned probably twice just barely fit . I can't figure out what's going on . Shoes and drum look the right size to me . Any ideas ? THANKS !!

[A1971Blazer]

Not being sure how much you know about brakes....don't want to insult you.
Make sure you have a long shoe and short shoe on each side....short goes in front
Make sure shoes are seated properly in the backing plate?
Make sure the self adjuster is screwed all the way in?
Make sure wheel cylinder rods are fully retracted into the cylinder?
That about all I can think of...perhaps a picture?

[697498chevy]

No offense taken . I'm no expert but have done these brakes before . Now I'm wondering if the wheel cylinder wouldn't retract because it wasn't yet bled ? THANKS !

[REDROCKER652002]

I can only think of the things that were already posted. The self adjuster has to be all the way in and when I was doing drum brakes on my old Ford Sedan, I had to mess with the shoes to get them to seat against the backing plate. I would get them all set up, springs in place and all, then wiggle the whole assembly until it would just kinda fall into place, if that makes sense. Other than that and the adjuster, I don't see where you would have any problems. They are a tight fit, so it can be a pain. RR

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by 697498chevy

No offense taken . I'm no expert but have done these brakes before . Now I'm wondering if the wheel cylinder wouldn't retract because it wasn't yet bled ? THANKS !

the spring pressure should push the rods back in...if not crack the bleeder open very slightly to relieve the pressure....not enough to let air in
If your hose(s) are old, they could be partially collapsed inside thereby not allowing the fluid to go back out of the cylinder.
Good luck with it!

[Steeveedee]

I couldn't tell you the number of brake jobs I have done in my life, but one thing I learned on this board is that there is also an 11-1/16" brake setup. Maybe you have those shoes instead of the 11 inch ones?

[697498chevy]

Just did the other side and it's the same way . New drum or the newish drum won't fit over the shoes . Plan to have my newish drum turned and see what happens . Did notice that the pads on my new brake shoes are a little longer than than old pads . Maybe that's the problem ? Thanks !

[geezer#99]

Post a pic!
Many eyeballs save work!

[697498chevy]

Happy to say that I had my drum turned and after a struggle finally have it on over the new brake shoes . Still don't know what the problem was . Didn't have any issues 17 years ago when I last did these brakes . Thanks !!

[697498chevy]

After a couple laps around the block my left side wheel center was hot . This is the one I put the turned drum on . I had it adjusted in all the way . Took my old worn drum and had it turned . Put it on and the wheel is cool now . When I bled this wheel cylinder my wife couldn't push the brake hard enough to get a good brake fluid flow . I had to stomp it myself before it bled well . Ordered a new rear rubber brake hose . Think A1971BLAZER might be right about my hose . THANKS !

[Wrenchbender Ret]

Make sure the emer. brake cables are backed off enough to keep from pulling the shoes away from the anchors. Also make sure the cables are not stuck.

[697498chevy]

Thanks Wrenchbender , I'll check it , but the E brake works ok .