New brake shoes to large

[grumppyoldman]

I just had my drums turned and bought new shoes ( bonded composite ? ). The drums were very tight going on, had all 4 adjusters backed off. Wheel would not turn, after working the adjustment cams ( top and bottom ) numerous times I was able to turn wheel, but the shoes seem too tight and don't know what else I can do to back them off a little more. Thought about trimming the top metal portion of the shoe, but that would only let the top have more slack. It feels like there needs to be more adjustment at the bottom. Am I concerned about something that will wear in while driving? There is going to be a lot of heat generated while driving with them as tight as they are. Al

[CaliforniaBorn36]

Have the shoes been arced?

[grumppyoldman]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaBorn36

Have the shoes been arced?

No I checked the fit and they were a perfect fit, I just now pulled the drum off and compared the new shoes with the old ones. The new shoes have a lot more pad surface than the old ones, there is a heavy mark down on the bottom of the new shoes, causing the adjusters not being able to clear the pad. I'm putting the old shoes back on and sending the new ones back to Mac's I worked my azz of yesterday trying to make them work, now I'm pisred off. Al

[grumppyoldman]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

No I checked the fit and they were a perfect fit, I just now pulled the drum off and compared the new shoes with the old ones. The new shoes have a lot more pad surface than the old ones, there is a heavy mark down on the bottom of the new shoes, causing the adjusters not being able to clear the pad. I'm putting the old shoes back on and sending the new ones back to Mac's I worked my azz of yesterday trying to make them work, now I'm pisred off. Al

Put old shoes on ,everything works like it should. Can't get anyone at Eckler's ( Mac's ) on the phone, somebody needs to go to work if they want to stay in business. My last order was shot, ordered wheel cylinder kits for front and back, got one front and one back, must not know there are two in front and two in back. Now I'm hung up waiting for parts.

[rotorwrench]

Shops that specialized in brake jobs back in the day generally always has a shoe arcing machine so that the shoes could be fit to the drum better. When drum brakes started to disappear, so did the arcing machines. The EPA wanted all the machines to be scrapped due to the asbestos danger but asbestos was already going away by that time and most rebuilders were no longer using any linings that contained the stuff. Arcing machines ares till out there but it's harder to find a shop that is set up with one now days.

[tubman]

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I've had this same problem with "consumer" shoes from the usual bunch of retail vendors on my "shoebox". When I looked cosely at both sets, their were obvious differences between the ones I took off and new ones. This is when I noticed the Ford script on the old shoes. I sent the new ones back and had the originals relined. Couldn't be happier.

[RalphM]

I have taken 80 grit sandpaper and fit it between the drum and shoe and "fit" them to the drum. Might even work to trim them down a little.

[redmodelt]

If you have a vacuum, table saw, sanding disk and dust mask you can arc your shoes. it will not be as precise as a machine made for the job but will get the job done.

[klicker]

I had the same problem with shoes I bought last week from C & G, way too tight. I did everything I could, and could barely get the drums on. I pulled one drum off, measured the shoes. at the bottom end, .45" from lining to edge of backing plate. At the top, the distance is .59-.6". Not concentric to the backing plate. I pulled the shoes off and noticed the hole for the anchor pins is not correct. The hole is about 1/8" higher than my Ford script original shoes, which pushes the lining out too far. just another poor reproduced part! I haven't contacted C&G yet, but ordered a set from Drakes, which I know fit right (at least the shoes I got from him in March fit fine)

[flatheadmurre]

I think the aftermarket ones are sometimes produced with more meat on the lining to compensate for wear...a good thing if you have turned drums and the ability to arc them...and a real pain when you have new drums and just want to install them.
When i order for other cars they sometimes state .060 oversize and that would be the correct way to sell them.

[Talkwrench]

Not sure what happens in the States but here in Australia they are normally sold in about three or four different oversized you get them to suit your drums ,they match done finished..

[john in illinois]

Mac Vanpelts fit and are made with correct short and long shoe. I used them with new drums.

John

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

No I checked the fit and they were a perfect fit, I just now pulled the drum off and compared the new shoes with the old ones. The new shoes have a lot more pad surface than the old ones, there is a heavy mark down on the bottom of the new shoes, causing the adjusters not being able to clear the pad. I'm putting the old shoes back on and sending the new ones back to Mac's I worked my azz of yesterday trying to make them work, now I'm pisred off. Al

I am still waiting to hear that you had the shoe's arced and they fit fine.

Charlie Stephen

[grumppyoldman]

No I didn't have the shoes arced, I'm sending them back for a refund. They were not even close to the Ford script shoes. I'll put the old shoes back on They look to be the same thickness as the one's I got from Mac's. Getting a friend to turn the rear drums as none of the local shops are set up to do it O Rilleys turned the front drums and did a good job . Al

[Tinker]

You need a old drum lathe with 3/4" chuck to do the drums right on these old fords.