Brake adjustement

[Stubee]

Here we go another brakes question!
I've just replaced both r/h front cylinders due to on leaking and the other siezed, I replaced the shoes as well due to the contamination. All went well except I think I still have air in there somewhere. But one thing that is troubling be, the L/H front shoes are at the end of their adjustement when the shoes just drag. I've read about having the smaller rear snail cams can cause this, I haven't checked the size. Could it be that the drums are well worn? They looked ok but what are the limits? Should I replace them anyway?

[PSL184]

First off you should always replace left and right hand at the same time, so, if fitting new left hand cylinders change also right hand cylinders. If fitting left hand shoes, fit also right hand shoes - Sorry if you have done this but it is not clear from your post.... How worn are the shoes (if they are not new)? If the shoes look like they have lots of material left then it would probably point to the drums been worn. I think I paid about £25 for a pair of new front drums so they are not expensive and if in any doubt I would fit new ones to yours. With a complete front brake overhaul you will notice much improved performance once everything is bled through and settled in. You might find you have to rub off any high spots on your new brake shoes first though as I have had this problem in the past... HTH !!

[Stubee]

The shoes were new ones, both sides. I will probably get a set of drums then, just making sure there was nothing else i could have missed. Makes sense actually as the r/h side had plenty of adjustment spare and this would have been the inefficient side so perhaps the l/h has worn more.
Thanks.

[PSL184]

Sorry, didn't mention before, yes there is a difference between the 7" snail cams and the 8" snail cams. Not sure what the spec of your car is but certainly worth checking just in case.....

[bmcecosse]

Don't rush into new drums ! Unlikely they are badly worn. Try the adjusters with the drum off - some shoes seem to 'catch' on the adjuster preventing it from winding up sufficiently. Easy fix- just fle off the part catching! I would also say it's a bit extreme to fit new cylinders on both sides - because one side is leaking etc. Provided the cylinders are moving ok and obviously not leaking - they should be fine !

[PSL184]

Now come on Roy - the car could have done 200,000 miles and be on the original front drums - I'd say a good chance they were worn then, wouldn't you ;-) Mine had done 120,000 and had worn low and gone oval! From a safety point of view I always change brake componants, springs / dampers and tyres in axle sets. That's just my point of view and of course each to their own....

[Stubee]

I tried adjusting with drums off and they went up and down ok, it's more the rear cylinder on l/h side that goes to the end of it adjustement, but to say they're new shoes alround I was suprised how much I had to wind them out to bite. When I get the drums off again I'll double check it's the larger adjuster. I notice all new ones on sale are the 7" ones it seems.
I'll get some drums anyway, can't do no harm (if I can find stock-seem thin on the ground at the popular suppliers).

[bmcecosse]

Would need a LOT of braking to wear the drums significantly -scored maybe, but that's not too bad - and of course if gone oval and 'snatching' then they will indeed need to be changed. At the rear - you need to slacken off the handbrake cables, then adjust up the internal adjusters - then re-set the handbrake cables.

[mike.perry]

If the drums are worn you should be able to see the wear on the braking surface. Swop the drums over and see if you get the same results.

[jononetoe]

Snail adjusters drove me crazy till I set the Shoes clearance in line with back plates, but then thats obvious to you guys !

[bmcecosse]

????????

[jononetoe]

bmcecosse ! Stumped? answers on back of fag packet please !!

[kennatt]

stumped as well

[EddyQ]

Just had the same problem and I found when you look at the adjusters were the snail cam sit in the U shape you will see it has become elongated by a few MM. If you can see were the original position is it makes quite a difference. I spaced my pistons out with a few washers and sorted it out that way,I now have a nice firm pedal. Hopethis helps you.

[Stubee]

Thought I'd better close out the query I had. It was the drums that were worn so after replacement and a right good bleed all is now better, just bedding everything in. Thanks for your help.

[PSL184]

No problem - Glad you got sorted. I advised on checking the drums as mine had worn and gave similar symptoms