Brake Adjustment
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Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Walnut Creek, CA
Brake Adjustment
I have replaced the front brake's on my '56 F100 including wheel cylinders. After I adjust them according to the manual using a feeler gauge they turn freely and there is no rubbing sound. One or two days later they no longer turn freely without rubbing the drum. What's going on?
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 13
From: Waynesville, OH
Quick and dirty test. Drive it a mile at 30 mph or faster and don't brake hard when you stop. Get out quickly and carefully put your hand on the brake drum (behind the wheel). If you can hold your hand on the drum (it's not too hot), they are not dragging and are not adjusted too tight.
As to why they got tighter after you adjusted them, the first suspect on my list is that the residual valves are holding the wheel cylinder pistons a little farther out than when you did the adjustment. No big deal if that's the case.
As to why they got tighter after you adjusted them, the first suspect on my list is that the residual valves are holding the wheel cylinder pistons a little farther out than when you did the adjustment. No big deal if that's the case.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
brake shoes don't always return to a perfectly centered position after they are released so a little drag is normal, when you do adjust them make sure the drums are cold, if adjusted when hot the are expanded by the heat, then when they cool and contract they will make contact also
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 561
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From: houston
Considering the age of your truck, here is another possibility. On the backing plate where the shoes ride, there are a couple of raised, flat areas where the metal arch of the shoes rest. Sometimes a ridge will form from the constant rubbing fo the shoe. This ridge needs to be filed/ground smooth so the shoes can freely move out and back. Sometimes the plate has worn so much over the years that it needs to be replaced. Good luck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
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From: tujunga, calif
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 8
From: BC, Canada
Rosie's backing plates had those grooves worn into them by the edges of the shoes. Because I'm so cheap, I laid a bead in the grooves with my mig and ground them flat again. Worked perfectly, just took a while. Just don't get the plates too hot, they might warp.
Seawullf, do you have sufficent play in the brake pedal rod. The master cylinder rod has to fully return so the fluid can return to the reservoir. ...Terry '52 F1
Seawullf, do you have sufficent play in the brake pedal rod. The master cylinder rod has to fully return so the fluid can return to the reservoir. ...Terry '52 F1
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 929
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From: S.C.
Ive always adjusted the shoes so they drag a little and the wheel can make one complete revolution when spun by hand. This has always worked well for me and given a real good pedal feel after bleed and shoe adjust.
good luck, Ed
good luck, Ed
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Airdrie Ab. Canada
All of you guys are on the right page. It is a good possibility that the Master cylinder is holding pressure and keeping your brakes applied check your push rod adjustment and if that is ok then I would try and change the brake fluid either use a pressure bleeder at a brake shop or get a buddy to pump and hold the pedal for you while you bleed the fluid at the wheel cylinders. Always make sure you don't run your master cylinder out of fluid
Don
Don
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