Installing new rear brake shoes

[RedTR3]

I have replaced the rear brake shoes and cylinders. Now the drums are so tight I can hardly get them on. I disconnected the hand brake cables and set the adjuster fully closed and I can still hardly get the drum on. I am afraid it will not turn if I seat it fully on.

The drums are in pretty good shape so I did not have them machined - but I guess turning them would help.

Someone mentioned that there may be an orientation for correct arc on these shoes as to which is toward the front or back and if so how do I identify this?

 

[kodanja]

you may have to release the brake fluid pressure, then bleed the system after assembly

 

[Andrew Mace]

Sure, turning the drums might help, but it might make more sense to find someone to take a bit off the new shoes. They're cheaper and more easily replaceable than drums; why cut a perfectly good drum because the linings are a bit oversized?

 

[hondo402000]

I have sanded down brake shoes in the past and once you get them on and running they will wear into the drum

 

[martx-5]

Very often, it's just a rust ridge that won't allow the drum to go onto the new shoes. Check the very outside part of the drum and see if you have that ridge there. If so, you should be able to just knock it down with a small grinder or some sandpaper. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[sp53]

Yes I had the same problem once. If you take the shoes and drums to a quality brake shop they will arch the shoes to fit the drums.
Sp53