drum brakes pull to left

[BILT4ME]

Isn't there a place on the backing plate or on the drum for a knock-out to get to the adjuster? Every one I have ever seen has had a knock-out someplace.

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by BILT4ME

Isn't there a place on the backing plate or on the drum for a knock-out to get to the adjuster? Every one I have ever seen has had a knock-out someplace.

Mine truck doesn't have them.

[1969c10joe]

Thankyou garyd1961. I backed off left side alot tire spins quite walked over spun right walked back left still spinning it pulled initially.I drove in reverse to activate self adjuster...if i dont nail the brakes TRACKS STRAIGHT NO HANDS ON WHEEL!!! I also removed right self adjuster there is an R under the cap. when i replaced spring spun it 180 not swapping ends it was touching backside of adjuster bracket. when ihave removed drum in the past i wondered if star wheel was free wheeling

[1969c10joe]

hey bilt 4me thats a good idea. the old drums were much heavier and i could adjust them with my aluminum mags on. I believe these drums mayhave them how do you knock a whole in a brake drum ?

[1969c10joe]

thanks bilt4me my drums might have those knock out holes.How is it done?and nobody sayvery carefully!

[BILT4ME]

There is a knockout hole pre-cut with the slug still in it kinda like an electrical outlet box would have.

There is typically a slot cut in the BACKING plate, in close proximity to the star part of the adjusting wheel. Then a screwdriver type tool is inserted to click the start adjuster up or down. After adjustment, there is a rubber plug that is inserted in the slot to keep out dirt and debris.

Do a google search (or YouTube) for how to adjust drum brakes and you should see an example.

If your REALLY don't have a slot, you can drill two holes in the backing plate, then use a file or hacksaw to cut out the area between. Make sure you make the slot to accept one of the rubber plugs. This will take some research and measurement. Don't just hack it.
If there is not one in the DRUM, don't make one in the drum. You may end up compromising the structural integrity of the drum that could lead to a catastrophic failure.

Google "backing plate knockout" and look at the images.

[GRX]

Originally Posted by 1969c10joe

I have readjusted brakes. The self adjuster on the right has reverse threads is that CORRECT?

Yes, that is correct.

Theoretically the self adjuster mechanisms should set the shoes properly when you slam the brakes when going in reverse. Does not always happen, especially when parts are worn or dirty. May have to adjust them yourself.

Last few brakes jobs (all new shoes, lines hardware, and drums) I did not even try to adjust the star wheels by hand. A few stomps while going in reverse did the trick.

[1969c10joe]

Thankyou BILT4me too bad my drums dont have that provision. I backed off left side 2.5 turns! Got my first lesson on drum brakes 1969 never have i heard someone say 'set it up nice and loose and then back off nearly 3 times'
If you are guest viewing MY FIRST THREAD i urge you t join these gentlemen have have done more in 24 hrs than I ever expected. I intend to finish fine tuning my drums and add the results to this post. you were right sir pedal did drop.

[1969c10joe]

been driving a bit pedal still kind of low one of my tires locked for a moment when stopping??? not sure might have been rear??? strange!

[garyd1961]

I drove my truck for a week without any problem then let sit for a few days. When I got back in it the left wheel locked up when I applied the brakes. This is opposite of what it was doing originally. I removed the wheel and backed off on the left side about 2 turns . I drove it to town and back about 15 miles and it did ok but I am seriously planning to switch to disk brakes. I had plan on switching to disk brakes to start with but had a few unexpected bills and thought I could run the drums for a while longer.

[1969c10joe]

thankyou for your reply.I wonder if its the cheap shoes im gonna drive it some more before ibuy new ones maybe centric

[1969c10joe]

we have some things in common why would the problem show up after truck sits....wheel cylinder? any wild guesses are welcome thanks guys