Brake shoe centering instructions

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Kevin in NJ

Another thing to keep in mind about the centering.

Because the one end is kept the same distance, when you crank out the adjuster you effectively move the center of the shoes towards the adjuster. So if you center the shoes and have to do a lot of adjustment after you put the drum on then you have moved the center some.

Something to keep in mind as you approach you brake set up.

(I don't know why I am gravitated back to this thread!! )

You are correct Kevin, and more to your point, the shoes will wear to the shape of the drums, so arcing is merely a way to have better braking efficiency immediately after a rebuild. Sometime we seems to swallow a camel and choke on a gnat. Focus on making sure everything is within factory specifications, and there will be no need in centering, -or even arcing the lining.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I agree with what Brent just said.
I have welded and ground the roller tracks and installed new linings, but haven't checked the centering, and haven't arced the linings. After adjusting the new brakes, the cars stop great.