From time to time we get questions about brake problems. When everything is done, such as bleeding the brakes, the pedal is still not ‘hard’ or the driver has to push the pedal too far. If you have also had and solved problems, we would love to hear about them in the comments below this article.
Issue 1: Springs are too stiff (or self-adjusters too weak) #
The springs between the brake shoes are too stiff. As a result, the self-adjusters may not keep setting and the shoe is pulled in too springy every time.
A solution may be to make the springs a little less stiff by stretching slightly or to stretch out 1 or 2 windings. See pictures below.
Issue 2: Backlash on the self-adjusters #
The lugs of the anchor plate are either slightly too short or slightly too thin. This allows the brake shoe to move too much freely (more than 0.8mm). Every time you apply the brake, this clearance has to be bridged at all eight brake shoes. As a result, the first part of your brake pedal may do nothing, this can amount to several centimetres. No big deal, but can feel annoying.
You can solve this problem by making the cams slightly larger, a customer of ours enlarged them with MIG welding and ground them to size. But be aware, you need play on the self-adjusters (approx. 0.8mm). Otherwise your brake shoes will not move away from the brake drum when releasing the pedal.
