Brake drag

[stag36587]

Having noticed some thin brown lines coming from behind my offside front hubcap I decided to investigate. Basically the hub has got hot and expelled some grease. The hub itself is absolutely fine and rotating nice and freely but I have a tight spot on the drum when I rotate it by hand - not just a slight scraping but a definite tightness that builds then releases as the drum is rotated. Fine when adjusters are backed off completely, just tight when adjusted up.

Looking at the attached photo (apologies for the 90 degree rotation) does everything look ok? All components are new. I've read about filing leading edge of the brake shoes - but exactly where and how much is acceptable? Actually I'm beginning to suspect the drum itself may be slightly warped because it doesn't sit as flush to the hub as I would like - I got a slight rocking movement when gripping either side.

Ideas gratefully received - I'm just trying to eliminate all possible problems before car's first major trip in 23 years - to the National.

Thanks[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

The leading edges are already chamfered... Swap the drum with the one on the other side - does the problem follow the drum?
Are these 7" or 8" ??

[stag36587]

Good idea Roy I'll swap drums tomorrow

[stag36587]

So swapped the drums and appears the problem is with the drum - think I'll order replacements for both sides.

[bmcecosse]

Hmmm - some of the new drums are not that well made.... Problems have been reported...... Are they 7" or 8" ?

[stag36587]

They're 8"

[bmcecosse]

Pity -I had a couple of 7" going foc.

[edd_barker]

New 8" drums are pie! At least mine from BM were. I ended up using some old stock that had been skimmed and worked a treat.

Maybe try another supplier, call first to ask if they are actually true or the usual garbage!!

Edd

[bmcecosse]

I dare say the drums will be machined perfectly round - but whether the pitched holes for the studs and the centre location are spot on is another matter - and of course the drums may have distorted if not allowed to 'weather' sufficiently before machining. As above- maybe 'good used' will be better bet, from someone who has fitted discs. The idea of the drum swap was of course to see if the problem lay in the drum - it could have been the hub -and always worth trying when brakes are concerned - even with the shoes.