Rear Brakes - Adjustment Problem

[Raggylad]

I recently (3 months ago) had new rear brake shoes & adjusters fitted during a 48,000 mile service by the local LR specialist garage.

Come the 3,000 mile/3 month interval service, I felt that the travel on the brake pedal was on the long side before the brakes bit and (following the Porter Service Guide Manual) went to adjust the rear brakes. Could not get the adjusters (all 4 of them) to achieve any effect at all in locking up the rear wheels - or even any noticeable drag. They turn OK in both directions (carefully counting as I do so) - but the wheel still spins and there is no obvious 'clicking' feeling that you normally get from drum brake adjusters! Braking effect is fine, just long pedal travel and my unease at adjusters that apparently don't adjust.

I am probably doing something stupid. Grateful for any advice - can't find anything via Forum Search

[western]

either the shoes are fitted wrong & the peg the adjuster operates on is not in the correct place or broken off [doubtful all 4 pegs have broke] or the adjusters are broke, I'd take the wheel/drum off & check all is OK.

[Les Henson]

Sometimes if the shoe material is very thin - the snails are no longer able to contact the pegs. Taking the drums off will tell you what the problem is.

Les.

[Diff]

I agree with Western, plus there is the possibility that the brake linings have worn out, such that the adjusters spin all the way round. This is not likely given the low mileage since the change, but is possible, particularly if you have been playing in wet sandy mud for example at Bordon.

It is more likely that the shoes were fitted the 'wrong way round' as suggested by Western.

This is a very common mistake and will mean that the pegs on the shoes do not contact the adjusters. This may not be very obvious with new shoes to the driver. But as you have found, impossible to adjust.

The four shoes look identical, but if you look closely, you will see that there are 2 pairs. 1 pair have the brake lining bonded on nearer to the top (wheel cylinder) end of the shoes than the other.

Make sure you have 1 of each on the drivers side, and one of each on the passenger side. When you fit the shoes, make sure that the shoe with the brake lining closest to the top of the shoe is fitted toward the front of the vehicle. Do the same for both the drivers side, and the passenger side.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Diff

[pat_pending]

As above, but the shoe with the lining closest the top goes to the REAR.

[Diff]

As above, but the shoe with the lining closest the top goes to the REAR.

Oops! My error! Had brain fade last night, too late to edit my post now.

Sorry for any confusion.

Regards,

Diff

[Raggylad]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll have the drums off and have a look.

Nick

[Eightpot]

I've been having the same brake problem for quite a while now, and the rear shoes are a prime suspect.

I went out last night and whipped the drums off to have a look, but the shoes don't match descriptions posted earlier in the thread - mine is an 86 model tho so perhaps there was a change?

All shoes have the lining mounted in the same place, and only two of the shoes have pegs on.

after adjusting the shoes last night, the brakes have improved, which I suspect is down to the linings wearing down further and perhaps matching the shape of the drum better - previous adjustments have done nothing. Still too much travel for my liking though.

After adjustment there is some rubbing at high spots as well (britpart drums...) so I don't suppose that will help either.

[Raggylad]

Had the drums off. Shoes fitted the wrong way round. Now all sorted. Many thanks for all the advice.