QuestionI am replacing rear drum pads on my '92 Chevy truck. Usually when I do something like this I dismantle the one side and I have the other side for reference when I go to put it back together. I wasn't real careful when I took brakes apart and can't exactly remember where all the springs attach. My problem is that the other side is missing the self adjuster and spring so I'm not sure how the self adjuster spring hooks up to the side I'm working on. Do you know where I can find a picture or diagram of these brakes? Also how do you adjust these brakes after they are installed? I know they adjust in reverse but let's say you want to back them off to remove drum. There is no slot like other brake drums I've worked on.
AnswerHi Mike,
Ok, a diagram to go by can be found at the end of this link: http://www.careersnet.org/automotive/PHS/Photos/Engines/engine%20Photos/Drum%20B...
That was the only diagram I could come up with for reference. I realize the self-adjuster on your truck will be different than what is illustrated in that diagram.
The Starwheel (self-adjuster) will ALWAYS face the rear of the brake assembly which means that the part with the threads will be facing forward. The coiled side of the spring will sit just above the threaded part of the starwheel and the long-arm on the spring should attach to the secondary shoe right above the anchor-pin hole. Installation procedure should dictate that the starwheel be backed-off all the way, attached to the TWO shoes with the spring and then the two shoes an self-adjusting mechanism, just as they would sit if attached to the car, is placed onto the backing plate as a unit and secured with both hold-down springs. Then the rest of the springs and P-brake rod can be attached.
Adjustment on your drum is probably a cut-out on the drum itself. Somewhat difficult to use so on assemblies such as that I typically adjust the shoes then keep putting the drum on until I can't move it anymore. At that point it should be at a slight-drag when the tire and wheel are attached which is what you want for drums.
You should never have to back-off the shoes to remove the drum unless the shoe has pushed rivets that cut deep channels in the drum. In a case like that it won't matter how you remove the components because you'll only be throwing them away anyhow.
You should consider taking a digital photo of the assembly prior to dis-assembly so in the event you need to see how something was attached, you'll have an accurate representation to fall back on.
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Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
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