[sp00k]

Taken from my calipers thread. Apologies for anyone who has already read it.

I've got quite a long pedal at the moment, but the brakes are effective. I think the fronts will get stronger as the pads bed in.

I think the long pedal is an adjustment problem with the rear brakes. I've adjusted them so that the shoes don't catch the drums but they must need to be a little tighter.

My drums spin freely, I've read some posts that say they should only spin once and then stop - I would be interested to hear how others adjust them.

 

[flat]

i adjusted mine so that they were locked then turned the adjuster back until they just turned - that gave me a decent pedal but not sure its the correct way but they dont seem to overheat or bind or anything

 

[sp00k]

It's reassuring to know that by the book does not appear to be effective! I will have another play at my earliest opportunity. Thank you.

 

[Oldseadog]

Jack up, turn the front adjuster until you can't turn the wheel, back off 4 clicks
Do the same with the rear adjuster
Repeat, but only back off 2 clicks on each
The wheel should spin and give you decent brakes
Repeat on the other side.
Go for a run to the end of your street, hitting the brake pedal hard a few times,
Then get back underneath, tighten and back off two clicks on each of the four adjusters.
Have a pint of your wonderful home-made and relax!
Now you're going to tell me that you have single leading shoes!

 

[lynall]

i adjusted mine so that they were locked then turned the adjuster back until they just turned - that gave me a decent pedal but not sure its the correct way but they dont seem to overheat or bind or anything

That how I do my series, if you follow the book you have way to much pedal travel, a little bit of rubbing wont hurt anything

 

[flat]

That how I do my series, if you follow the book you have way to much pedal travel, a little bit of rubbing wont hurt anything

yep by the book felt to vague, and for the less than 5000 miles i do a year, i will jsut change the rear shoes slightly more often

 

[lynall]

yep by the book felt to vague, and for the less than 5000 miles i do a year, i will jsut change the rear shoes slightly more often

Think I only did 300 miles max in the series last 12 months, 90 did 200 between mots!

 

[flat]

Think I only did 300 miles max in the series last 12 months, 90 did 200 between mots!

You probably won't ever need to change them! Rear shoes are hardly a high wear item anyway tbh

 

[agew]

You probably won't ever need to change them! Rear shoes are hardly a high wear item anyway tbh

+1 on adjusting both adjusters on each drum - some bright spark worked in just one adjuster on mine years ago and I nearly drove in the back of the first queue I met after collecting it...... Good luck, A

 

[sp00k]

Many thanks gents. It feels much better now. Right rear is locking a little to quickly so just need to dial that back a bit.

My fronts are still bedding in. I can't lock them yet.

 

[flat]

Many thanks gents. It feels much better now. Right rear is locking a little to quickly so just need to dial that back a bit.

My fronts are still bedding in. I can't lock them yet.

They should bed in within a few days, my new calipers and pads did - I could lock the fronts after a couple days of driving and braking.

Did you just change from pads or calipers aswell? Are they calipers in good order?

 

[sp00k]

New calipers, discs, pads and fluid.

I don't think there is a problem, it's just the type of driving I do doesn't give the brakes much exercise.