Brake Drum

[Psiteep]

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have/had? a sticking front nearside brake. Got the drum off once, managed to losses it. Put it back together, can only turn wheel with difficulty. Do I -- 1 Strip it again to take another look at cylinders or 2 put whell back and see if drives okay and that it was the new shoers, piut on by previous owner that were causing problem?
Please, someopne guidence please?
Robert handle Psiteep.
I can\'t tell iof I\'ve done this right.

[PSL184]

Take a look at the manual and understand the importance of all the brake parts before you start work. It may be that your adjuster is up too tight but you really shouldn't drive the car until you are happy the brakes are correct.

[Psiteep]

Thank yo very much. I hasten to add I did not intend driving her on the road, we have a large farm yard here and I can her out round the yard.
Anyway yo say have another look at brakes so I will. The driver's side is fine is was only the nearside that was squeaking a bity when driving it round the yard.
Thank very much.
Rob

[Psiteep]

Dear All,
Checked the adjuster on the druim, turned right off and then back one notch. The wheel turns, but is still a bit stiff. Is it okay to drive round the farmyard to see whether she is still squeaking?
Robert Psiteep

[mike.perry]

Slacken both adjusters on the nearside and check that the drum turns freely. Tighten one adjuster fully and check that the drum is locked. Slacken the adjuster one or two clicks and the drum should turn freely with no more than a slight sticking but not enough to stop the drum from spinning.
Repeat with the other adjuster.
If you still have problems then you will have to remove the brake drum and watch the shoes whilst someone presses the brake pedal gently to make sure that they both move and then return when the pedal is released.

[MarkyB]

If all you did was look at the cylinders you need to do some more.
As mike says, take the drum off then make sure both move when the pedal is pressed.
If only one moves try stopping it with a tyre lever and see if a bit more pedal pressure will cause the other one to move.
If it doesn't, then it's seized up and will almost certainly need replacing.
If it has seized out a bit, rather than in, a G clamp or some judicious hammering might start some movement going.

[bmcecosse]

And then they will leak! If it's seized - either fit an overhaul set of seals - or a new cylinder. Run round the farm-yard to your herats content - but don't go on the road until you KNOW the brakes are working properly - and pull up in a straight line - no darting to one side!

[Psiteep]

I'll one thing, everyone is most helpful, thanks. I did get my wife to sit in the car whilsyt saw whether both cylindsers moved when she pressed on the brake. They did, so I put it back together, drove round the yard, no squeak no binding. Golly, it brings back memories.
Once again, thanks everyone.
Rob