Adjusting Rear Drum Brakes 85 County

[Carslil Jim]

Hi,
I need some advice pls. My pedal goes too far down and I am sure it is because my rear brakes are not adjusted correctly. I have pulled both rear shoes off and checked the adjusting cams are not spinning on their shaft, but I find that there is very little "give" when the cam locks the shoe to the drum with the wheel on....Drum is either locked or one click back it is free. And I am certain I am turning the cams the correct direction.


Any ideas on what I am doing wrong here?

[Albert]

One thing to check is if the backing plates are on the right side, Mine were not.
When you take drums off, the pivot and the cylinder should NOT be straight up and down at the 12 and 6 O'clock position.
I cant remember off the top of my head if they should be angled leaning forward or to the rear but it is very obvious.
This might not be your problem but it is a easy check if you have the drums off. You can also look to see which way to turn each cam with the drum off so you know it is going the right way.

[isuzurover]

There is a bit of a knack to adjusting series (and county) drums.

If you want a high pedal you need to adjust them up until the wheel is locked solid, then back the adjusters off one click at a time until you can just turn the wheel by hand.

[JDNSW]

To add to that - if having problems, apply the brake hard after each adjustment and check it again.

Another issue that can affect it is if the drum(s) are not sitting straight. The usual reason for this is a tiny bit of dirt or rust between the drum and the hub, on the mating surface. Suspect this if the wheel is dragging in one spot but free elsewhere in a turn. The solution is to make sure the mating surfaces are scrupulously clean. Also, since you have just had the drum off, carry out the adjustment with the wheel back on and the wheel nuts properly tightened to make sure the drum is seated properly.

John