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BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 10:31 pm
by Boomlander
Hi All,
Having quite a bit of movement on the pedal before the brakes operate I decided to adjust the shoes.
After turning up the cam adjusters on the front nearside until the drum locked and then backing them off one click the drum turned freely but was binding at one point every revolution.
Despite several readjustments of the cams the drum still binds.
The shoes and drum were fitted new two years ago along with new cylinders and springs but have not done very many miles since.
Is it just that the shoes have not bedded in yet or am I missing something? :-?

Re: BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 11:23 pm
by liammonty
That's not going to be anything to do with shoes bedding in - it's likely a bit of ovality in the drum. The shoes aren't moving when you turn the drum, so it couldn't be them causing the drum to rub slightly at a given point on each revolution. It's quite common, and if you don't notice any juddering when braking, and the brakes have adjusted up OK (that little bit of binding you describe after backing off one click won't hurt), just enjoy driving the car and don't over-think it :D

Re: BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 7:08 am
by Boomlander
Thanks for your help, it's very much appreciated.
I may try another drum in case the existing one is egg shaped.
Thanks again. :D

Re: BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 11:17 am
by liammonty
No trouble. Good luck!

Re: BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 2:17 pm
by edd_barker
Seems to be lots of problems with the 'new' drums being produced, I had a pair from BM that juddered like I was driving down a set of stairs. Swapped them for an old set and problem solved!

A local engineering firm with a decent-sized lathe could skim them back to round and central for a token fee I'm sure.

Edd

Re: BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 3:31 pm
by bmcecosse
If you skim them the shoes won't touch properly - until they wear away in the middle. Avoid doing that if you can. That little of 'rubbing' is quite normal - the brakes are 'just right' then. Don't worry about it.

Re: BRAKE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEM

Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 7:21 pm
by Boomlander
Thanks Chaps for all your help, I will let you know how things go after a few weeks of frequent brake use. :D