Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello.

I put the truck on axle stands for the first time and had a look at the brakes.
Would you mind taking a look at the pictures and seeing whether the pads look ok.

I think they are and I adjusted them and they're a bit better than they were, but I'd like a more expert opinion.
<br><br> (they're both much the same at the front).

Here are the drums - it looks like they are a little scored but you cant feel this with your fingers
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Finally, this is the first time I've put him up on axle stands - is this an ok place to put them? (I'd put some tyres under as well if I was going underneath)
<br><br>

Simon

All looks ok,

Seconded

looks good to me.. stupid question time, have you chocked the wheels that are on the floor?

one problem though.. your garage floor looks far to clean

Yes, did chock the wheels.
and I'm fairly new to all this - am sure the garage will get messier!

I would put the axle stands under the corner plate where the tie bars join the chassis legs. If you put them under the chassis then you should use blocks of wood on top of the stands to spread the load.
By the way a disc brake has pads, a drum brake has shoes and yes the shoes are good for plenty of miles.
You may need to buy some "kitty litter" to soak up the oil drips on the floor.

Oh dear, I knew this would happen. What are the 'tie bars' - probably a stupid question but more stupid to not ask.

Yes I wouldn't put the axle stands there either - you can never be too sure on vehicles of this age how good the chassis is, hopefully yours is good but the metal could be thin. Use blocks of wood to spread the load as suggested.

Your tie bars(you can just see the one of the left of the 3rd pic) are the rods that join the bottom suspension arm to the chassis and have rubber mountings one end and a nut and bolt the other

The corner plate is double thickness so if it looks OK then it probably is. The othe place to put the axle stands is under the lower suspension arms as close to the chassis as possible, unless you are stripping the suspension down.

Nowt wrong with where the axle stands are positioned - If the chassis was that bad that it would collapse under the load then the vehicle shouldn't be on the road - If it's a wreck of a rest project I'd agree but for a solid truck this is fine....

The brake return springs aren't in the same holes on the shoes.
One of them need to move to the hole next to it so they match IYSWIM.

I normally put the springs on the outside of the shoes (I think) but I doubt it matters much.

The brake return springs aren't in the same holes on the shoes

Well spotted. Make sure that both the springs are the same length and one has not been swapped. It can be a fiddle getting the springs in the correct holes and the shoes over the hubs without everything falling apart but if you really have trouble you may find it easier to take the hubs off.
If you want any tips on adjusting the brakes let us know.

yes, that was well spotted - thanks. Presumably I have to pull the shoe off, get the springs in the correct hole and then sort of lever it back in to position.

To adjust I was just turning the adjusting screw clockwise until the drum(?) started to rub and then backed it off one notch.

Simon

Correct. When you replace the drum tighten it on using a couple of wheel nuts on opposite studs to pull the drum on square. THEN replace the two set screws which are for retaining the drum, not for tightening it. Turn one adjuster at a time until the drum locks then back off a click or two until it turns freely. Press hard on the brake pedal a few times, assuming all the drums are on, to centralise the shoes, then try adjusting the brakes up another click.
Before you replace the wheels apply a couple of squirts of grease to the top and bottom suspension and track rod end nipples
Do not adjust the handbrake cable before adjusting the rear brakes or they will lock up whilst you are driving. Support the rear axle on your nice shiny stands and adjust the rear brakes. Whilst you have the wheels off grease the handbrake cable nipples and apply grease to the end of the brake cable. Replace the wheels and apply the handbrake and try turning the wheels. If they are both locked then release the handbrake until it is half on, try turning the wheels again and if there is any difference between each side then release the handbrake and adjust the cables and try again until they feel the same. Do not replace any hub caps until the wheels are on the ground and the wheel nuts have been checked

To answer the question that has not yet been answered.

The tie bar is the circular bar which links from the trunnion to the chassis leg at the front (its on the left in the above picture) the triangle section is where it joins the chassis leg at the front of the truck.

Hope that helps

Of course, now you have it all stripped down, it would be a fine time to upgrade to Wolseley brakes (sorry, seem to be missing someone...)

Stop taking advantage whilst Roy is on holiday

mike.perry wrote:Stop taking advantage whilst Roy is on holiday

But- it's sooooo dull this week

The question that has not been answered, hallo, hallo it's only me

cormorant wrote:The question that has not been answered, hallo, hallo it's only me

Sorry- did someone say something?