Help Please

[ubtripn]

I just installed new shoes on the front, the adjusters are all the way in then I backed them out a tad. The front right tire turns then just locks tight. still rolls backwards fine but does anybody know what can cause this. I am stuck in the rain trying to work this out. Thanks for the help.

[terry b]

How far does it turn before it locks up?

[Stocker]

Did you get a new spring kit and replace the return springs? Is the small (primary) shoe facing forward? Make sure the adjuster isn't turned around backwards on that side (should be a mirror image of the other side).

This link might help http://www.pbase.com/nufsed/drumbrake

[terry b]

Does it turn 1/4 turn 1/2 turn full turn? Is the drum out of round? Something loose rolling around in there? Does it make noise?

[ubtripn]

It goes about 1 to 2 turns then bam-locks. I used all NAPA parts and got the rebuild kit with new springs and stuff. When I took apart the front right that is doing this the wheel cylinder had broken off! Chinese pot metal I guess. That explains the pulling and noise I was hearing. But everything is new and the adjusters can only go in one way if they are going to hit the adjuster arm but I took pictures to emulate just to be safe. I have done drums before but I have never seen this.

[ubtripn]

Another possible clue-I was doing a 4-point bleed and was able to get no fluid from the drivers rear.

[terry b]

But you can turn it backwards as much as you want no problem? How are the bearings? Can you move the wheel side to side? Are the bearings part of the drum or does the drum mount on the hub with the bearings in the hub?

[ubtripn]

Yeah

[ubtripn]

Bearings seem good as well.

[ubtripn]

I think I got white lithium on the shoes. I don't know how best to clean them though.

[lolife99]

brake clean fluid in a can.

[terry b]

It does not seem like the shoes are moving out to the drums and locking the wheel as much as it seems like something is jambing up. Any strange marks in side the drum any where? Bright spots? Does it make a draging noise before it stops or bamb justs stops. Will it then turn easy backwards or is it stuck at first?

[ubtripn]

It would turn easy then bam stop.

But, I just cleaned the pads with alchohol and let it evaporate, its gone now. Weird that grease can do that.

[ubtripn]

Ahh, I never thought of brake cleaner.
So has this ever happened to anybody else?

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

I just cleaned the pads with alchohol and let it evaporate, its gone now. Weird that grease can do that.

I can't imagine that grease could have caused the problem you described. It's almost like a foreign object was jammed in there and it fell out when you removed the drum & cleaned off the grease.

[terry b]

I dont think grease on the shoes was the problem. Good luck and be safe.

[ubtripn]

You are both right - it got a little better but its not drivable, it grinds once per revolution on that side like only on pad is contacting but why would it grind????

I am going know when to say when and just stop for the night before I lose my mind. This blows.

[ubtripn]

Did 68's come with 2 different shoe widths?

[ubtripn]

Each side has 2 different length retainer springs, I wonder if those were reversed if it would cause a problem.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Another possible clue-I was doing a 4-point bleed and was able to get no fluid from the drivers rear.

That's a problem, but it shouldn't have anything to do with your front brake problem.


After you de-compress & get back to it... what about swapping the front drums? The problem either stays on the right side or magically moves to the left. I know, kinda clutching at straws....

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Each side has 2 different length retainer springs, I wonder if those were reversed if it would cause a problem.

Possibly, but it got me thinking you might have a spring (or something else?) mounted incorrectly, and rubbing against the drum as it rotates -- and getting jammed when the drum rotates forward.

Next time you remove the drum, besides making sure everything is properly fitted, look very closely for any sign of metal scraping metal. With a new hardware kit, you might see paint scraped off of something.

[ubtripn]

Will do, good idea, thanks.

[jocko]

is it possible you dumped both kits on the floor and mixed long/short shoes - i.e. put two long shoes on one side and 2 shorts on the other?

I agree this is an odd case. If not the above, and I assume it's not since you've done drums before. It would seem that something is allowing the shoes to shift into the advancing face when rotating - as in something is not anchored properly. Is the spring retainer post solidly mounted?

Hmm.

Agree that the inability to bleed the driver's side is a major problem - but maybe not related. That REALLY doesn't make sense - were any brake lines redone? If so, what's the chance that the driver's side ended up on one circuit and passenger side ended up on the other (rather than front/back for the distro)? Doubtful, but kinda grabbin at straws here... Wish could help more.

[ubtripn]

Well the short lines right at the drums are new but that is it I think. (PO work) The problem tire (right front) ran better when it had a broken wheel cylinder. Literally snapped off at the bolt rattling around.)

I did use a rebuild kit but I am pretty sure I got the springs all correct because of the coloring system they used and matching size to those that came off.

I think the shoes come in 2 inch and 2 inch and a a quarter or something like that. I matched up the shoes to the replacements though and they were perfect.

I put the shorter shoes on the front both sides.

All parts are of the highest quality.

I think it may be some type of centering issue on the backing plate but I just don't know. I have done maybe 30 drums and never had this happen. I need the boards knowledgeable help, thanks.

Here is another hint, when I would rotate the drums to check for drag they would spin but stay on, these work there way towards me as they rotate or until the one locks up.

There is a groove at the back of the drums where the mating surface meets the corner for lack of a better term.. Maybe new drums?

[ubtripn]

Here is another question, do only the rear drum brakes have this "strut" the picture refers to. (May be moot since the brakes were working before I did the job but thought I would check.)

It is the piece of metal just beneath the wheel cylinder that goes form shoe to shoe with a spring over the tab on the left.