Rear brake - not adjusting

[Relfy]

When adjusting one of my rear brakes, it goes right round the cam to the highest point and the drum still spins when shoes recentred. The cylinder is working fine. The drum and shoes look barely worn. Any clues?

[RogerRust]

Try swapping thw snail adjuster from the other side to see if thats the problem.

[bmcecosse]

Does sound like adjuster failure! However - it's possible the handbrake cable is pulling the brake ON - thus negating the adjuster. So - slacken off the cables - then adjust the brakes - then tighten the cables to give the amount of travel you prefer.

[Relfy]

Thanks! I'll try those things and see where I get to.

(I'm just learning so apology for what might be obvious questions..) With the idea that the handbrake cable might be pulling the brakes ON, wouldn't that mean the brakes would be binding the whole time rather than free? I'm not sure I understand.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - but then worn away to give clearance. The cylinder could also be seized ON - again shoes wear away until clearance is obtained. Really - complete strip down and survey of the brakes is required.

[Relfy]

Ah. That's alright then, I know that isn't the problem - shoes, drums and cylinder are all fine. Changing the adjuster should help then. Thanks

[bmcecosse]

Hmmm - hope so! Good luck with it.

[Relfy]

Found out what the problem there is!
The mask for the snail adjustor has a small crack in the back of it. Because this bit is hidden from sight when assembled, I had to take it off and examine the whole thing really carefully to see it! Have put a new mask in, with the same snail, and it now adjusts fine. Yay!

[bmcecosse]

How did the crack prevent it 'adjusting' ?

[Relfy]

Cos as soon as the cam got round to nearly the end (it is a bit worn anyway), the mask would flex (due to the crack) and it'd flip right round. Thats the only way I can explain it. Its still not the best, but a lot better than it was.

[bmcecosse]

Ahh so!