63 drum brakes rear

iluvnos · 10-11-2009, 03:08 PM

Ok I am changing my brake shoes on the rear of my 63 Fairlane 500 SC and I am running into a problem. I took off the cover of the master cyl and took off the drum cleaned with brake cleaner took pictures so I knew what it looked like stock. I bought new shoes (compared to old shoes and they are the same) new combi kit and self adjusting kit. I cleaned everything and put it all back together but the new drums will not go on. I tried putting on the old ones just for giggles and same result, the pads are not fitting inside the drum. After looking at it I believe the wheel cyl is not letting the brake in enough. Does anyone have any ideas??

bertha66 · 10-12-2009, 10:22 AM

Did you change out the wheel clyninders? Try openning the bleeder valve and push the shoes togather. The adjusters, are they backed all the way down?

TBIRD430 · 10-13-2009, 03:38 PM

Are the rear brake shoe adjusters turned all the way back in (on the bottom)?

iluvnos · 10-14-2009, 08:05 PM

ok Bertha66 where is the bleeder valve? never done a brake job before so sorry if it is a silly question.

TBIRD430 yeah the brake shoe adjusters are all the way in, I think I missed the bleeder valve.

Rick_101 · 10-14-2009, 09:16 PM

Is there a chance the shoes are hanging up on the parking brake equalizer bar?

iluvnos · 10-15-2009, 05:06 AM

I don't think so. The issue is I think the brakes are not squeezing in enough at the top.

bertha66 · 10-15-2009, 09:51 AM

The bleeder valve is on the back side of the wheel cylinder, at the top. It takes 5/16" wrench to open. I like to use a 1/4" drive, 6 point socket to open the first time. Once open push the shoes togather at the cylinder and hold them and close the valve. You will need to bleed the system when you finish.

TBIRD430 · 10-15-2009, 03:35 PM

Did you figure it out "iluvnos"?

iluvnos · 10-15-2009, 08:34 PM

yup got it, the bleeder valve was the problem. Thanks Allen!!

bertha66 · 10-16-2009, 10:27 AM

I am glad that you got it.