Drum Brake - need help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nolimitssjca · 04-12-2015, 06:37 PM

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.

PanelDeland · 04-12-2015, 08:59 PM

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).

**LockDoc** · 04-12-2015, 10:10 PM

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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

04-12-2015, 06:37 PM	#1
nolimitssjca Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 69	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.

04-12-2015, 08:59 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	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). __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

04-12-2015, 10:10 PM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,799	Re: Drum Brake - need help - 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 __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

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