Quick fix?

[Island Moose]

About two weeks ago I replaced the shoes and cylinders in the 70's rear brakes. I noted today that after an hour drive, the right rear wheel is cool, wheras the left rear wheel is hot to the touch, leading me to believe the shoes are rubbing/dragging. What's the fix for this, the adjusting wheel inside the drum? If so, which way to turn it as you look at the back of the brake from underneath?

 

[A2B in a TLC]

Hi Moose,

I many be completely off here... but in the old days, to adjust the rear drums you would back up in a straight line and brake a few times. The brakes would self adjust.

Bruce
A2B in Tsawwassen

 

[dingdong]

I am pretty sure your rear drums adjust with every pull of the e-brake (my 88 FJ62 does). I had my drivers side rear brake making a weird noise after replacing shoes, cylinders and having the drums turn. I opened it up and didn't really find anything - just poked around and put it back together. Worked great after that.

 

[Island Moose]

I've been running them for a while though, figured they'd already be seated properly. The heat in the wheel is what makes me think I have them dialed in too tight. I'll have a go at backing off the adjusting wheel first, then report back.

 

[lshobie]

Either that or your ebrake cable/bellcrank is sticking a little. Or is that ok? Jst look for a space between the belcrank adjusting bolt and the stop. If there is a space then it is sticking.

Regards

 

[Island Moose]

I jacked it up this morning and the left rear was clearly dragging, backed off the adjuster wheel 3-4 turns and the whole assembly turns easily now. Test drie confirms no heat in wheel.

Another DIY lesson learned.

 

[bigbrowndog]

If you pull the drum off and move the hand brake lever back and forth you will see it adjusting the adjuster. Spin the wheel backwards then apply the brakes then adjust by hand to eliminate drag, should have to push the retaining tab in to loosen it off.cheers