Rear Brake Problem

Ken/SC

Ken/SC

Member
I was using the Les Andrews method for adjusting your brakes with the three notch board against the drivers seat. My rear drivers side brake will not lock like the other side at the third position. I have to adjust it so much to get it to lock that it is hard to turn when the board is removed and the brakes are released. So I have to loosen up on the adjustment to get it to turn freely again. I have removed the drum. The shoes look good, the drum looks as good as the other side. I have adjusted the rods and clevis per Les Andrews book to remove the play. All other Three brakes work good.

Is there a part of the brake assembly like a spring or something that could be causing this? Something worn out.

I need some ideas.

Thanks,
KM
 
Are the shoes arced to the drums? are they centered it seems one side needs more lever travel to do its job. I would shorten the rod on the problem side to pull a bit more when applying the brakes until all is put in order
 
There is free travel built into the rear brake system; when adjusting the length of the brake rods, remove the return springs and let them hang on the brake rods, pull the brake rod forward to remove the free travel, then adjust the clevis to match the connection at the brake cross shaft.
As previously stated, its good to have your shoes arced to each drum so you have full contact to the drum surface; also chamfer the end of each brake lining so you do not have a sharp end which will sometimes cause chatter.
When properly set up all brake rods should be the same length; not a good idea to shorten any rods as its better to find out the problem and correct; do not do a farmers repair.

Ron
 
It is possible that one of your shoes is not square with the drum. You should be able to see this with the drum off. The bad shoe would be closer to or further away from the backing plate than the others. This would result in drag with the brakes off. It could be caused by the part of the shoe where the rollers are attached being bent to one side. Rollers of 2 different diameters could create a similar problem, or a bad wedge could do the same.
 
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