TR4/4A Rear brakes - spring plates and drum alignment

[Popeye]

Happy Halloween to everyone!

I am rebuilding my rear brakes, and have two questions:

1. Installation of the spring plates is fiddly, at best! (Great discussion here, FYI: https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcf...p-Installation&highlight=wheel+cylinder+clips.) On my car, quite a bit of force was required (mallet and drift) to install the plates - and the result is the brake cylinder does not move "easily". I can move it by tapping with a rubber mallet, but can't move it without force. Is this too tight? If so, how can this be adjusted - all the parts are what they are... I could file a little on the cylinder itself?

2. The drum has a vent hole. Which way should this be oriented? I installed the drums such that the vent hole is directly over the adjuster. Is this correct?

Thanks!

 

[Geo Hahn]

1. If the cylinder moves only with a bit of force (rubber mallet) - I think that is okay. Operating hydraulics have a LOT of force.

2. The drum spins - doesn't the position of that hole change as it does?

 

[charleyf]

Mike,
I believe the directions call for a small amount of grease under the wheel cylinder on the backing plate. This would allow for a bit less friction between the two parts but it still takes a lot of force to move the cylinder back and forth. And like Geo. says there is a LOT of force to be found inside those rear wheels.
Charley

 

[Popeye]

2. The drum spins - doesn't the position of that hole change as it does?

You are absolutely correct. I think I am brain dead after trying insert spring plates and stretching strings between the pads!!

(Note, after reading BCF on how to install the springs, it was actually a fairly simple task... it just took a bit of time to figure out. As many have concluded before, thank you all for a great resource!)