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TR6 TR6 Rear Brakes

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tr6web

tr6web

Jedi Trainee
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Hello all. Just getting ready to rebuild my rear brakes. Got new shoes, hoses, wheel cylinders, fitting kits, springs, etc. Any suggestions on how to put all that back together? Also, and this sounds stupid, but how do I know the rear brakes actually work when it's all back together? Is there any test? Thanks.
 
Two methods:

1. Raise rear tires off ground with suitable jacking device, rotate tire by hand, have assistant depress brake pedal. If tire stops spinning, the brakes work; OR,

2. After completing rebuild, disconnect front brakes, head out onto your favorite stretch of 'go-fast' road, accelerate to 90+ mph, aim at 150 year old oak tree, hold wheel steady, trounce on brake pedal about 200' from tree. If you stop before hitting the tree, it was a successful road test. If not, a re-rebuild is in order.

Seriously, and with no malice intended, are you confident that this is a DIY project? Brakes are a safety thing, not just yours.
 
If you haven't already disassembled the brakes on the car you may want to pull the drums but disassemble just one side at a time. Assuming the current brakes are correct you will be able to reference the opposite side if unsure how the assembly should look.
 
Bill,

I just replaced all of my front and rear brake system components as part of my frame off. If you have a Bentley manual, that shows in pretty good detail the reassembly steps. The suggestion to do one side at a time is also a good one, using the other side as a reference. Just take your time and remember to pay close attention to how the wheel cylinder retaining clips and gaskets go back on. If you are unsure, get some help as having those wheel cylinders loose on that backing plate is a bad thing. If the assembly is put in correctly and adjusted properly, using the emergency brake will test it as well. Good luck,

Mark
1970 TR-6
 
Thanks all. I'm doing almost exactly as you have said. I only took off one side and left the other for reference. I've replace the shoes before so that's not an issue. Since I'm doing a little more, I just wanted to see if I wasn't missing any tricks. I have the Bentley manual and more which has been very helpful.
 
Hi Mike,

A few small suggestions....

If you haven't already done so, you might want to have the drums turned to true them up. Many auto parts stores do this service "while you wait" now. Or, just drop them off while you do the rest of the rebuild.

And, buy a couple cans of brake cleaning spray to use liberally to insure any and all oil and grease is off the inner drum surface before installing the new shoes.

Also, I suggest using just a little copper anti-sieze or brake grease on the areas where the shoes rub against the backing plate, to help them operate more smoothly. Be careful none gets on the brake shoe lining.

Often the brake shoes don't fully "centralize" until you have a chance to put strong pressure on them via the pedal. Of course, this is a "last check" to be done after all is installed and the brake system has been properly bled.

After pressing the pedal a few time, go back and check the wheels turn easily, the shoes are fully returning. This is a good time to double check all the pipe and hose junctions for any leaking fluid, too.

Cheers!

Alan
 
If you did not pre arc your new shoes to the drum, a little use will bring them into the same arc. Readjustment after beding in the new shoes is my suggestion.
 
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