Please help. 7.5 drum issues.

wizkid00104 · Apr 7, 2008

My 1994 Ranger has the 7.5 rear alxle with the small brake package (9 inch drums I believe). I had my truck inspected over Easter and the dealer changed my brake shoes without telling me and charged me $50. Two days later, my master cylinder was almost empty and I was leaking a ton of fluid from the left rear drum. This was my wheel cylinder. I took it back to the garage and told them to fix what the f---ed up and the charged me another $75. A week later, the same thing on the same side. They did not tighten the break line down properly. I had to do this in the rain in an Eat'n Park parking lot. 4 Days later I feel a ton of heat coming off of my left rear tire. Now the spring retainer for the shoe broke. Easy enough, I went and bought the kit to replace all of them. This Friday, the same thing happened. I took it apart today and the shoes were not seated properly and it actually bent one of the shoe retainer pins. I replaced it and put it back together today and it is still bound up. Adjusting the little ratchet wheel at the bottom did nothing. I believe it to be the wheel cylinder. If it is not bleed properly, will it tend to expand when there is no pressure on it?I am so frustrated. I am at college and this is my way to get home. Please help. I have the Chilton manual, if you'd need to reference any parts or details. Thanks!

michowski · Apr 7, 2008

First of all make sure everything is put together correctly. Ive seen many people put drum brakes on incorrectly. I can see how to being all the springs and self adjusting cable in there. Make sure it looks like the picture below. I would also take it back and have them fix it. No reason you should be out any money if they replaced everything and now its fucking up.

wizkid00104 · Apr 7, 2008

Mine doesn't quite match that picture.

pillen140 · Apr 7, 2008

that looks like a 10 inch brake, but should give you an idea, i thing your chiltons will have a picture too.

michowski · Apr 7, 2008

ya thats a 10" drum but the springs all go on the same. The 9" doesnt have the lower silver springs connecting both pads.

wizkid00104 · Apr 7, 2008

I have it put together right, but the adjuster lever spring (the one that connects the forward shoe to the auto adjusting cable) won't seat properly. However, the wheel cylinder still seems to be an issue.

WildSide · Apr 7, 2008

Then it's not put together right. Wiz you shouldn't be messing around with your brakes in the first place and your so called 'dealer' should be reported for their incompetence. Take your truck to a reputable brake shop for an inspection and estimate to repair properly and bring it to the ‘dealer’ and get them to pay.

pillen140 · Apr 7, 2008

WildSide said:
Then it's not put together right. Wiz you shouldn't be messing around with your brakes in the first place and your so called 'dealer' should be reported for their incompetence. Take your truck to a reputable brake shop for an inspection and estimate to repair properly and bring it to the ‘dealer’ and get them to pay.

he wasnt messing with them, he took the drum off and looked at it. he had someone else do the work. nothing wrong with looking at your brakes!

wizkid00104 · Apr 7, 2008

I unfortunately dont have that option. I am a math/physics/engineering triple major. I barely have time to do anything. I need my vehicle and the fastest way to do it is myself. I have already reported the incompetence to the dealer the first time I took it back and I got charged again. And I knwo if I can do it, it will be done right and I will know how to do it again.

pillen140 · Apr 7, 2008

nothing wrong with wanting to learn! aftermarket stores sell the adjuster kit, with spring, wheel adjuster, and cable for about $10, if you need to replace it? if your going to take it off by yourself for the firsttime, dont be afraid to use your chiltons manual! you will want to buy a spring spoon, to get the springs off, dont use pliers! you will probly bend the springs or hurt your self. if you know how it should go back together, take everything off and start all over. it only takes a few mins. use the opposite brake assembly as a guide! just remember its going to be backwards!

WildSide · Apr 7, 2008

Let’s put it this way, what shape would you be in if you were in an accident due to failure?
Not to argue the point now it’s more important to get your brakes back together right first.

wizkid00104 · Apr 7, 2008

I agree, but my problem is them not releasing, not them being applied.

wizkid00104 · Apr 7, 2008

I'd also have to drive it to a brake shop and to be quite honest, I dont want to pay anyone another penny to touch these because I am sick of it getting messed up.

WildSide · Apr 7, 2008

pillen140 said:
he wasnt messing with them, he took the drum off and looked at it. he had someone else do the work. nothing wrong with looking at your brakes!

What's the matter pillin do you need reading glasses? Read the post first.

WildSide · Apr 7, 2008

wizkid00104 said:
I'd also have to drive it to a brake shop and to be quite honest, I dont want to pay anyone another penny to touch these because I am sick of it getting messed up.

Never mind that right now, take a close look at your other assembly and use it as a guide.

Please help. 7.5 drum issues.

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