Soft Brakes After Axle Shaft Replacement

[Calypso Ranger]

I Have a 1992 Ranger with the 8.8 (rear drum brakes) and had a bent axle shaft. I put two brand new ones in and everything went smoothly but after I buttoned everything up and took it around the block, my brakes were VERY soft. The only thing I touched on the brakes was obviously the drum had to come off to gain access to the axles. I never opened up the system so I don't understand why it would need to be bleed. The parking brake barley does anything when engaged now as well. Is there a way to tighten up the rear drums? Maybe since one side was bent the drum was loose to compensate for it? Not very familiar with drum brakes. I highly doubt there is any problems with the front brake components because they are all less than 6 months old and everything was perfectly fine before the axle shafts were swapped in.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Try adjusting up the rear brakes...

 

[Calypso Ranger]

Try adjusting up the rear brakes...

I think that’s what it is i’ve been looking at diagrams and when i did it the little adjuster fell out. so i think i just need to adjust them

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

They should be self-adjusting. Adjusting the star wheel is quicker but just driving in reverse and forward a bunch of times does the same thing.

 

[Calypso Ranger]

They should be self-adjusting. Adjusting the star wheel is quicker but just driving in reverse and forward a bunch of times does the same thing.

okay, i’ll probably try just adjust it and see it that helps any and go from there.

 

[Dsetz]

Brake hard when you reverse while you are doing the back forth shimmy as alwaysfloored suggested. Do it until they feel solid.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Self adjusting brakes only work if everything is free and lubed. If the adjuster fell out... good chance something isn't free. Pop the drums off... get a good look at everything... clean and lube the adjusters and replace anything not right. Give them a proper adjustment and be good for awhile. Stabbing/Pumping the brakes while backing up will keep them properly adjusted and your pedal height where it should be.

An ounce of prevention....