Brake Drum Issue

[neophyteguy]

So, thinking that I needed to check my brakes again prior to getting my roadworthy done in a couple of days, I pulled my drums off. The rear left drum was VERY hard to get off, but it did eventually come off.

Now I cant get it back on. Yes, the adjusters are backed all the way off and I don't think the brake cylinder is frozen in the "out" position.

When I adjusted the brakes a couple of months ago (for those who don't know, this has been in my shop for the last couple of months and I have only done about 50K's in it), the left rear never really backed all the way off. It seemed as though the brake was always engaging a bit. Should I replace the brake cylinder?

I have searched through all the information on the site and cant come up with anything that works for me at the moment.

As always, any help is greatly appreciated.

Ronnie

[abaddonxi]

Tried here?
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/50218-brakes-thread-discs-drums-handbrakes-conversion-calipers.html

Or this - http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/45792-stage-1-county-defender-perentine-brake-warning.html

[isuzurover]

Are you sure the shoes are in the right position?

Is there space between the adjuster cams and the posts?

Shoes aren't caught on anything?

Is there a huge lip on the drum?

If all the above are as they should be, then just open the bleed nipple and squeeze the shoes in. Then bleed that corner after fitting the drum and adjusting the shoes.

[neophyteguy]

Thanks Guys! I have ordered some new adjusters (yes I broke one!) and will get things all buttoned up today. Some of the links mentioned winding the adjusters fully out and then applying the brakes sharply a few times to seat them. I will try this today as well as getting the brakes bled and see how it goes.

Cheers and I will post the results this pm.

Ronnie

[neophyteguy]

DOT 4 brake fluid, right? Just want to confirm before I proceed for the day...........Ronnie

[Aaron IIA]

Assuming that it has not previously been converted to DOT 5, DOT 4 is what I would be using. In my opinion, you are better to keep using DOT 4, and change it every year or so to dispense with the moisture.

Aaron.

[isuzutoo-eh]

Umm you better double check, my 2a uses Dot 3 (yellow), according to what was in it and the Autobooks manual i'm using.

[neophyteguy]

Ok, so this turned out to be a bit more involved than I had considered. The drum would not go on as the brakes were slightly engaged. This was because the wheel cylinder was stuck slightly open.

I really only figured this out when I took off the pads again and tried to push the pistons in and they wouldn't budge. They only moved when I whacked them with a hammer.....Not to worry I already had a replacement on hand at this point.

It was clear that the cylinder had accumulated water and this seized up the cylindrical pieces. Upon further inspection I found the other side wasnt operating as smoothly as it should and was able to clean up the inside with a fine emery cloth and reuse.

Thanks again for everyones help!-Ronnie