Brake problems
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
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From: Topsfield, MA
Brake problems
I changed my rear drums about 3 months ago. I didn't have trouble getting the drivers side off (as it had already been taken off before that) and the passanger side I had to move the star wheel. At first, the truck felt like the brakes were dragging. That feeling kind of went away and they felt....ok but not great. I put the 35s (instead of the old 32s) on, and i noticed more predominately that the passanger side rear tire locks up very easily. The brake petal feels very firm and spongy (but the brakes have been bled), and it feels like the rear brakes are getting more stopping power than the front. I can go in reverse and hit the brakes and it isn't very easy to lock up the front tires (used to be pretty easy). I'm not very familiar with brakes, but I did put new front pads in. The rear shoes were ok so I left them. My dad messed around with the star wheels to take the old drum off and the new one on, but I'm not sure how that all works. What should I do?
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: peoria, az
The star is what adjusts the shoes to the correct position. Lift the rear wheels off the ground and spin the wheels. Turn the star until you cannot spin the wheel any more. ( don't make it too tight, just enough to where yu can't spin it)
Back the star off now( turn in opposite direction) usually about 12 "clicks until the shoes no longer drag on the drums.
If you find yourself turning a long ways and the wheels don't stop, you may be going the wrong way.
You may also need to use a screwdriver to push the adjuster out of the way to turn the star.( when backing off)
Sounds like you have 1 tighter than the other.
Back the star off now( turn in opposite direction) usually about 12 "clicks until the shoes no longer drag on the drums.
If you find yourself turning a long ways and the wheels don't stop, you may be going the wrong way.
You may also need to use a screwdriver to push the adjuster out of the way to turn the star.( when backing off)
Sounds like you have 1 tighter than the other.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: peoria, az
The "stars" are a screw with a bunch of teeth on em. They are inside the bottom of the drums holding the shoes apart. They can be accessed through a hole in the bottom of the backing. Laying under truck facing wheel, there is a small slot under the axle. You can reach in there with a screwdriver and turn the star. (will go up and down)
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Still under the hood in O
As a side note; the star wheel is a self (automatic) adjuster. You need to set it as stepman said so that the brakes aren't too tight to start with. Then roll the tire backwards and hit the brake, do this several times.
I usually chalk the front tires and lift the rear axle off the ground and start the motor. I let it idle in reverse to get the tires spinning and hit the brake pedal with my hand several times to get the brakes adjusted. This is much easier than driving it in reverse and hittting the brakes.
I usually chalk the front tires and lift the rear axle off the ground and start the motor. I let it idle in reverse to get the tires spinning and hit the brake pedal with my hand several times to get the brakes adjusted. This is much easier than driving it in reverse and hittting the brakes.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: peoria, az
I agree with that moneypit however, I never have any luck doing it that way. I have to move the veh back and forth about 10' so that the shoes will shift or it doesn't seem to grab the next notch. That might be just me though.
Something to think about...When I change shoes, I'll set them close then drive about 5 miles to wear them in a little and then make a final adjustment. Itmakes a big difference.
Something to think about...When I change shoes, I'll set them close then drive about 5 miles to wear them in a little and then make a final adjustment. Itmakes a big difference.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Colorado, U.S.A!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Well, they are not very expensive, and the truck has about 100k mi on them, and one of my buddies at my uncle's shop said they should probably be replaced. I figured that since I have 35" tires that I should keep my brakes in tip top shape.
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When you installed the new drums did you wash them down with brake cleaner first? They are coated to protect them from rusting while in storage. Also, I have found that chamfering the leading (and trailing) edges of the brake shoes eliminates the typical Ford brake lock-up when cold syndrome. I did this when I installed new shoes 4 years ago and haven't had a problem since.
