rear brake drums
 

I just finished rebuilding my rear axle and mounted the rear backing plates from Randy Gross. All went well until I tried to mount the new cast iron brake drums. I put them on and slid them onto the brake shoes about half the width of the shoes. At this point the drums turned nicely. Then I tightened the axle nut with my air impact wrench. The drums froze up and would not turn. The adjuster has been backed off all the way and still the drums are locked up. Anyone have a suggestion as to where to go from here? By the way, Randy's work on the backing plates is exceptionally good and he works fast. We are lucky to have this kind of talent in our hobby.

Re: rear brake drums
 

Did Randy also supply the shoes and turn them to the drums? You should put your general location in your profile.

Charlie Stephens

Re: rear brake drums
 

If the drum wasn't on far enough to contact the key the axle would not have turned.

Re: rear brake drums
 

Maybe you need shims on the axle. Is it hung up by the drums mashing into the backing plate? Did you call Randy to see what he would suggest? He was extremely helpful when I got my drums from him.

Re: rear brake drums
 

I'm thinking the same about a shim.

Re: rear brake drums
 

Let me see3 if I can answer all of the questions.
1. Location is upstate NY near the Mass and Conn. lines, not very far from Vt.

2. I tried the shims the first time I put the drum's on and found that they were not necessary. The drums do not touch the backing plates.

3. The drums were slipped over the brake shoes on the backing plate when they arrived so they shoulod fit.

4. I had to align the drums to the key in order to get them to go on as far as they have gone on. At that point everything turned as it should.

Thanks for your help, it is always appreciated. Jack

Re: rear brake drums
 

Check to make sure the key did not slip and try to go with the drum

Re: rear brake drums
 

Not a good idea.

Re: rear brake drums
 

I agree with ray64, the axle key may be in too far. The impact wrench may have really locked it up if the key was mis positioned.

Re: rear brake drums
 

I had the same problem with Randy’s supplied brakes. The axel key had slipped back preventing the drum from going all the way on. I had trial fit them without the key so the key location was suspect.
Once I got the key located properly they slid right on by hand.

Re: rear brake drums
 

Be sure the rounded end on the key faces the axle and is facing the differential.

Re: rear brake drums
 

Having the same issue as "jhowes". After installing the rebuilt brake assemblies on the axle flange the new drum will not slide over the shoes. Key in place or not the drum rubs against the shoes.

Re: rear brake drums
 

Randy called me (how is that for service) and I have to get to my garage to try out some of the things that we talked about. I will keep you posted. Jack