Brake backing plates - left and right ?

[JohnboyLandy]

Hi All,

I was convinced I had my 11" brake backing plates the right way around, but when testing the adjusters, I found that one shoe moved out as expected, but the other moved more up than out. So I thought I must have the backing plates swapped over, so I pulled everything apart again, only to conclude that I did have it right based on the position of the slave cylinder position.

Here's a couple of pics to show them on what I think are correct sides, but I would really like someone to confirm please.

Right side
139730

Left side
139731

Assuming they are on the correct sides, why would the adjuster move one shoe up and down rather than in and out ? It seemed to happen for one shoe on each side, oddly though it was leading shoe on right side and trailing shoe on left side.

I think I'm going mad, so any guidance appreciated.

Thanks
John

[gromit]

I can't see it matters which way round the back plates go other than where the brake pipes are in relation to the axle. It's a single leading shoe brake so whichever way round it will still be a single leading shoe brake, which way round is much more important on a twin leading shoe brake.

Because of the direction of rotation of the brake adjustment cams, with the drum off as you tighten one will try to move the shoe down the other will try to move it up. This isn't relevant because once restrained by the drum they can only move in & out (they will try to move up & down but can't move far so move out). When adjusting the brakes you should adjust till they bind, back off then press the brake pedal hard which will centre the shoes and then release the pedal and see if you can adjust further.


Colin

[JohnboyLandy]

Thanks Colin. I though the placement in the photos was correct as it put each slave slightly towards the back from top, which is where they were originally. Swapping them over makes that position impossible.

Anyway, good to know the up/down movement of the shoes is normal.

Cheers,
John