Morris Minor Owners Club

Just stripped rear brakes down to check and adjust.Found that only about 15-20% of shoes are actually contacting drums. Very surprised it got through test last time. Drums dont seem too badly worn but I suppose new drums could be called for. Any other possible causes or remedies??

Ian.

Make sure the shoes can slide easily - otherwise only the cylinder end of the shoe will contact the drum.
Due to the inevitable friction, the rear shoes will always wear more at the cylinder end as they won't transmit as much force at the other end. One shoue will wear a bit more as only one is a leading shoe (the friction with the drum increases the braking force).

It is also worth to check that they are the correct shoes - when placed against the inside of the drum, there shouldn't be more than a couple of mm gap

Are these Riley or Wolseley or Minor brakes ? As the drum wears it is a good idea to introduce packers under the non-adjust end of the shoes - this lifts them slightly towards the drum rubbing face, so presenting more of the shoe for wear. Don't need much - 1/16" will help - just make sure they are secure and can't come adrift. If they are Minor brakes then new drums are quite reasonable - Mini ones will fit too (maybe need to modify the centre hole) . If they are Riley or Wolseley then the drums are made of unobtainium - but I recon Minor 8" front drums should fit - but haven't tried it meself because I still haven't found big rear brakes !

Ray. Shoes and cylinders are all free, always put a small dab of Coppaslip onrubbing surfaces. [ Over the years have had enough seized brake parts. So now always use Coppaslip on bearing surfaces.]
Roy. Its the Morris brakes,had wondered about putting something under rear of shoe to take up play. The question is what to use.
Ian.

I just cut a bit of sheet steel - wider than the metal edge of the shoes - and wrapped it round the back stop. Are the cylinders free to slide up and down in the backplate ok ?