A Question about rear axel shims

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by 46HARLEY

Would like to know thoughts and fixes on rear drum rubbing on emergency brake carrier. Saw that I can buy shims and some suggestions to make my own. How much is shim is to much. If you have done this where did you acquire the shims. Lastly is there any concerns or hints that I should know ?
Thanks Larry

Everyone seems to be focusing on the shim and the axle taper. It could have nothing to do with those at all. We need more details from you on where it's rubbing the e brake carrier.

Is the carrier installed correctly? Is it bent at all? Often when you grab the emergency brake at speed, the carrier gets bent. Make sure yours is not bent. Are your studs installed correctly and flush on the back/hub side? I've seen studs that are welded, and the welds will rub, or people have installed incorrect studs that don't sit flush against the hub and will rub. Are the pins and springs installed in the carrier correctly? Again, installed incorrectly they can rub against the hub.

Lots of things to check, a shim is just a bandaid and really only meant to address a taper issue, it's not meant to move the drum/hub out to reduce conflicts. I wouldn't use a shim to fix your rubbing issue. I've seen rubbing e brake carriers finally catch and lock up a rear wheel. That's a dangerous situation!!