Brakes locking on

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cotterpin

New Member
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9
Location
Cornwall
I am coming to the end of a a lengthy restoration (It’s only taken about 18 years so far off and on!). Of a swb series 2a. Made in 1958 It is an ex army vehicle. All the brakes have been replaced with new parts, pipes flexis, master and wheel cylinders, adjusters and springs., there are 2 new brake drums and 2 originals, all seals bearings etc in the axles are new.

When I bought it 18 years ago the brakes worked and it still had a short MOT on it and I drove it home. A few weeks ago I put the brake shoes on and found that when the screws were tightened on the drums the brakes locked solid, loosen the screws and the drums were tight but would turn. I thought at first it was the drum tightening against the edge of the shoe, but tried putting thick washers as spacers between hub and brake drum so they were well clear of the edges of the shoes, but tighten the wheel nuts and the same thing happens, slacken the nuts and it turns, all the brake parts came from either Craddocks or Paddocks many years ago and seem to be the correct parts. My friend a mechanic of 30 years experience has looked at it and is as baffled as I am!. Does anyone have any ideas please?.
 
Have you adjusted the shoes? Ie. Snail cam all the way off to start? Depending on your setup you might have an alignment screw to ensure the shoe isn't crooked against the face of the drum
 
If you fit the drums without putting the shoes on and tighten them fully will they turn then? If so definitely a shoe issue. If not it’s a drum / backplate problem
 
Have you adjusted the shoes? Ie. Snail cam all the way off to start? Depending on your setup you might have an alignment screw to ensure the shoe isn't crooked against the face of the drum
The shoes are adjusted off. Where would the alignment screw be?. I cant remember seeing anything like that.
 
If you fit the drums without putting the shoes on and tighten them fully will they turn then? If so definitely a shoe issue. If not it’s a drum / backplate problem
It was stood before the shoes went on with the drums and wheels on but no shoes inside and we used to push it around. I cant see us pushing it far with the shoes on now!. So I see your logic and am inclined to agree.
 
IMG_20220513_091900.jpg
It's the threaded rod adjuster on the back plate...
 
Have you compared new shoes with old, have you got problems on all 4 drums, chamfering ends of shoes can help, do shoes match the radius of the drums you need to take them off and sit them inside drum to check this
Perhaps post a few pics without drums on
 
Have you compared new shoes with old, have you got problems on all 4 drums, chamfering ends of shoes can help, do shoes match the radius of the drums you need to take them off and sit them inside drum to check this
Perhaps post a few pics without drums on
Done this the other week as brakes were locking on.
Also there was not enough free play in the master cylinder. This lack of slack kept the brakes slowly applying till the locked on
 
58 will be a 2 not a 2a.

I think only early cars had the shoe steady posts, some even had little plastic buttons on the end of the adjuster bolts, part number 234888

As you say its ex mil, maybe its had different axles at some point?
 
58 will be a 2 not a 2a.

I think only early cars had the shoe steady posts, some even had little plastic buttons on the end of the adjuster bolts, part number 234888

As you say its ex mil, maybe its had different axles at some point?

The 59 I'm working on has them...
 
They were there to keep the drums on during assembly and also to screw into the drums in the other position to help removal of drum by pressing against hub...
Yes you are correct, but the screws arent necessary, although I always fit mine after doing brake jobs.

Col
 
58 will be a 2 not a 2a.

I think only early cars had the shoe steady posts, some even had little plastic buttons on the end of the adjuster bolts, part number 234888

As you say its ex mil, maybe its had different axles at some point?
58 will be a 2 not a 2a.

I think only early cars had the shoe steady posts, some even had little plastic buttons on the end of the adjuster bolts, part number 234888

As you say its ex mil, maybe its had different axles at some point?

101 FC has them...
IMG_01_BURST20220513230415.jpg
IMG_01_BURST20220513230415.jpg
 
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