Posted by John Eickhof on Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 1:24AM :
In Reply to: Brake Question FFPW posted by Howard in Newcastle on Saturday, May 07, 2005 at 4:32PM :
Hi Howard, the lower (HEEL) adjusters are small shafts with two flats on them and arrows marked on the center. They are held in a locked position by large LOCK NUTS. First, remove the tire / wheel from the truck, then with a large screwdriver and some elbow grease and maiden oil (WD40 / Penetrol 90...etc) Remove the large biding head screw that holds a little cover over the edge of the drum so you can look inside or use a feeler guage to set up the shoes. Then, with the TOE cams and HEEL adj. arrows inward locate the slot on the drum to the HEEL of the PRIMARY (Forward) shoe, adjust the shoe with the smaller shaft to .030" clearance from the drum, the locate the slot at the TOE of the shoe and do the same adjustment, re check the HEEL and TOE several times, then when you think you've got it within .010 hold the HEEL adjuster and lock down the LOCK NUT. Do the same for the SECONDARY (rearward)shoe. after setting the primary and secondary shoes, rotate the drum while looking in at the shoe and see if you have any clearance at the middle of the shoe, (Or if the drum is locked up) you will have to re-adjust both the heel and toes evenly to a larger gap from the drum untill you get at least .020 at the middle of the arc on the shoes. This will properly set them up, even if the drums are oversized, the shoes will self arc to the drums as long as to have the hell and toe even. Do this on all four drums, then re-check and fill your brake res. Take it for a test drive! If you have a wheel that grabs hard going forward, it means the primary HEEL is closer to the drum than the toe and it needs to be re-adjusted, if a wheel grabs in reverse it means the secondary HEEL is mis adjusted. This sounds like a lot of work, but I have been doing these on Dodges for many years and can set up brakes in less time than it takes to jack up the truck and remove the wheels!! Remember to check ALL lock nuts, and your brakes will not be as good as expected for sveral hundred miles untill the shoes surface into the drums!! Allow extra stopping distance! Good luck!