Weird drum brake issue

[Blades24]

Hey all, I own a 2000 Ranger XLT 4wd with drum brakes in the rear and disc up front. I am in the process of replacing the rear shoes (both sides) and drums (both sides). I am using the same hardware I had on there as it is not even a year old (replaced some broken springs 9 months ago). I am also re-using the wheel cylinders as I don't see any leakage.

My problem is that when I attempt to put the drum on the brake shoes are too expanded to allow the drum to fit smoothly over them. The other issue is that the entire brake assembly seems shifted towards the front of the vehicle. When I attempt to put the drum on it will not align with the studs.

I have the adjuster screwed all the way in and I have tried bleeding the wheel cylinders. The brake backing plate looks worn on the 6 pads (do they really help hold the shoes in place?). I had a friend come down and check my work, he rebuilt the assembly just like I had it and we still could not get it. I checked the adjusters, they are on the correct sides. I've basically tried everything.

I greatly appreciate any help as I am not much of a mechanic beyond brake jobs and such. I really don't want to have it towed to the brake shop, there has to be an answer. My last resort right now is to purchase new wheel cylinders and hardware and try it. I should mention also that I checked the part #'s and they check out for my truck.

Yes I know I am missing half a leaf spring as well. Replacements are being ordered.

I don't know if this is wheel cylinder leakage or if it is from the lithium grease that may have gotten on it. I'm thinking it might be past leakage.

After a bunch of prying on the drivers side something popped and the drum slide on. The hardware on this side seems to be locked in place on the brake backing plate. Although the drum readily goes on the wheel does not turn freely.

Also, does anyone know why ORR (offroadrangers.com) has not come online in months?

Thanks for all the input!!

Ben

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Kind of looks like your E brake is stuck on.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Kind of looks like your E brake is stuck on.

I was leaning on that too, but it looks as if the shoes are seated on top and bottom

 

[Blades24]

Well the e-brake cable has a bunch of slack in it, it's definitely loose. I'm starting to think that maybe the hardware conformed to the old shoes so well in those 9 months that it is causing the problem.

 

[Blades24]

Well I just found the problem. 9 months ago when I replaced a couple springs I bought the parts from Murray's/O'Reilly's. I replaced a couple springs and left the extras in the box. The other day when I pulled off my passenger side drum (the troublemaker) I noticed my shoe-to-shoe spring was busted. I also noticed just a minute ago that the problem started when I put that spring on. In comparing it to the drivers side, side-to-side spring, I found that the new spring that is causing issues is 1.5" too short.

So the error falls on the Auto parts store for giving me the wrong spring kit and myself for not having compared every single spring before putting them on the truck.

 

[Blades24]

Well it turns out that wasn't it. I went to two different parts stores and all they had was the small shoe-to-shoe springs. I went to the dealer and they didn't have any in stock. I went ahead and bought a new spring kit, rebuilt the drivers side with little trouble. It is still hard to turn forward or backward but I think it will wear down once its driven.

I then rebuilt the passenger side and I am having the same issue. When you look at it it is pulling to the front of the vehicle. I can't figure out why I'm having an issue with this side, and why I had such an issue with the other side.

The left shoe fits perfect before I install the right shoe springs.

Now both sides are on and fitting well, no shoe-to-shoe spring yet.

This is as far on as the drum will go without great force. You can see its not lining up correctly.

My only other thought is that the emergency brake is stuck some on this side. I have a good amount of slack in my E-brake line though. I'm going to look up stuck e-brake issues and give that a try tomorrow.

Any ideas?

 

[r1hatman]

I would check your wheel cylinder, it looks like your piston bar on top is out.

 

[Blades24]

I'm not familiar with the piston bar? Your thinking the wheel cylinder stud is too far out? If so I agree but there is not much pressure coming from it really, the e-brake bar grabs before the wheel cylinder stud does.

 

[r1hatman]

Yeah, that's what I meant, I couldn't think of the word.

 

[Blades24]

I think I am going to spend some time with the e-brake because I've noticed that I have to pull the lever numerous times to get the light to clear. I'm thinking that both sides are sticking but the passenger side is the worse of the two. 5 days of rain/snow headed my way though, not sure if much is going to get done.

 

[r1hatman]

I hate doing back brakes! Good luck.

 

[Blades24]

Thanks dude!

 

[Blades24]

Alright well I started digging into it today and am beginning to think this is the problem. I applied and released the e-brake numerous times. The last time I released It I held the lever open and pumped the e-brake pedal. I took the brake assembly apart on the passenger side (the worse side of the two) and took the e-brake cable off of the plate that attaches to the rear shoe. I then measured the length of spring/cable that I had available, 3.75" available. I then applied and released the e-brake again and re-measured. I only got 3.5" available now and I cannot pull it back out to 3.75" for the life of me. Here are some pictures, the tension on the spring is pretty easy to see as it wants to curl.

I don't know if I should have applied the e-brake after disconnecting it from the shoe plate. What say ye? Is it sticking? I did not notice any movement of e-brake plate when the e-brake cable was pulled from the drivers side of the truck. When I pulled on the cable immediately entering the drum it shifted some.

 

[Blades24]

Well the e-brake was the issue. I've removed it on both sides. I'm debating about replacing it or not.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Glad you got it figured out.