Rear Drum Brake issue

[CARdiac]

Ok, I have not opened up the rear brakes yet, but my brakes are spongey again, and the e-brake is near the top (both had changed when we replaced the pads and drums a few months ago). It is almost like the brakes will not adjust....I tried backing up but that doesn't help....

Any thoughts before I open the rear brakes up again? I plan to check to make sure the adjustment thingy is working correctly (not sure how) and that the cylenders are working (appeared to be ok last we checked). Any other thoughts?

[hockeyman]

Tear down the whole braking system on your drums. Clean everything reeeal good, and then grease the adjuster thingy. If that still gives you probs, replace the e-brake cables. Still probs, go to disk brakes ;) .
ps. spongy brakes may mean that you need new wheel brake cylinders.

-Marc

[CARdiac]

I do not think it is the drums because the brakes were firm when installed and as the e-brake lever moved higher the brake peddel became spongier. I will tear down the drums this weekend and do as you recommend.

Any other advice?

[hockeyman]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by CARdiac:
I do not think it is the drums because the brakes were firm when installed and as the e-brake lever moved higher the brake peddel became spongier. I will tear down the drums this weekend and do as you recommend.

Any other advice?<hr></blockquote>

If you need any parts for the drum(s), lemme know. I have the whole rear drum brake unit sitting in my garage collecting dust. I have no need for the parts, so I'll let them go C-H-E-A-P! Everything worked perfectly when it was torn down. E-Mail me with needs if you find the problem.

-Marc

[ January 31, 2003: Message edited by: hockeyman ]</p>

[Wicked 3800 V6]

Hockeyman by rear brake cylinders do you mean wheel bearings?
-Rob

[hockeyman]

Umm, no. The brake cylinder that sits atop of the brake shoes with the two metal thingy's coming out from each end. Oppisite of the brake cylinder is the brake bleeder screw. My brake cylinder went bad on my 86 T/A causing a brake fluid leak on the drum brake shoes and making my brakes feel spongy.

-Marc

[black98V6]

I'd be willing to bet either you didn't install the adjuster plate (the thing that turns the adjuster) properly or your adjuster is seized up.

[CARdiac]

Thanks. My cyl are not leaking, I checked that very closely when I changed the barkes. I will have to re-evaluate the adjuster, however we paid close attention to it. What I did not do is grease the backing (where the pad slides) or the adjuster, which I will do this weekend.

Just if you are wondering my master-cyl is less than a year old.

[Dominic]

There is a small starwheel on the back of the drums. Drums, no matter what they say, do not self adjust. Click the starwheel a few times on each side with a screwdriver and fix the problem. Make them rub lightly (VERY LIGHTLY)... when you freespin the wheel [img]smile.gif[/img] Hopsefully 2-3 clicks is enough.

[CARdiac]

Yeah, I broke down the brakes, cleaned, lubed and reassembles....I readjusted, and that looks like what I will have to do when they start to wear.