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  #1  
Old 12-16-2014, 06:10 PM
Savage03 Savage03 is offline
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Default Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

If anyone is a expert with drum brakes can you check this out and see if you spot anything wrong? So about to come unglued, I have seriously done the rear brakes now twice and still this issue shows up and I cant believe its normal since the first go around it caused the dam adjuster to tighten up to the point one shoe dam near caught on fire....Problem is the cable thing there that runs down to the arm that is suppose to go into the adjusters teeth to hold it in place but look close and the arm is not in there(both sides do this). Their is slack in the cable so obvious why its not in place but I have had the wheel off a dozen times and screwed with this thing so much I can not figure out what to do with it, it all looks right?...





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  #2  
Old 12-16-2014, 06:19 PM
Fordzilla80 Fordzilla80 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

See that half circle piece on the right side of the backing plate? You know how it's supposed to sit in that hole in the brake shoe? Well they don't like to stay there, and will come out very easily leading to your self adjuster cable having slack. This could very well be where your issue is.
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  #3  
Old 12-16-2014, 06:59 PM
Savage03 Savage03 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

Yea the guide with the yellow spring to it? I messed with it and its in there, if I try to rotate it then it picks up the slack but nothing to keep it in from turning back down....so confusing
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  #4  
Old 12-16-2014, 07:17 PM
Fordzilla80 Fordzilla80 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

I used to think so too, but if it's actually in the hole like it's supposed to be, it shouldn't turn down. It's very easy to knock it out of place and not even notice. I usually end up adjusting the yellow spring until I can't move the half circle piece by hand.

Also, it may not be a big deal, but that little metal plate at the top with the little arms is upside down.
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Old 12-16-2014, 07:20 PM
Savage03 Savage03 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

Looking over ford parts site I find 2 options for the cable length...

Part # 2A176
(Rear Brake); 10" drums; Kit - auto adjuster hardware - LH - cable length 9.5" (Rear)........(Rear Brake); 10" drums; Kit - auto adjuster LH - cable length 11" (Rear)....but dam they want $25 a side! Paid $6 a side from autozone...sigh

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Like to know what that plate thing is all about lol.

Ran out of day light today so will pull wheel off again tomorrow and see whats up.
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  #6  
Old 12-16-2014, 07:20 PM
99Ranger376 99Ranger376 is offline
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Default

Hope this helps

ForumRunner_20140204_002351.jpg
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  #7  
Old 12-17-2014, 09:14 AM
tomboy tomboy is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

May not make any difference, but in the 4th pic, the part next to the shoes on the spring holder pin is upside down.
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  #8  
Old 12-17-2014, 10:49 AM
cowboybilly9mile cowboybilly9mile is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Savage03 View Post
If anyone is a expert with drum brakes can you check this out and see if you spot anything wrong? So about to come unglued, I have seriously done the rear brakes now twice and still this issue shows up and I cant believe its normal since the first go around it caused the dam adjuster to tighten up to the point one shoe dam near caught on fire....Problem is the cable thing there that runs down to the arm that is suppose to go into the adjusters teeth to hold it in place but look close and the arm is not in there(both sides do this). Their is slack in the cable so obvious why its not in place but I have had the wheel off a dozen times and screwed with this thing so much I can not figure out what to do with it, it all looks right?...
I've done a lot of drum and disc brakes over the years and I just did my Ranger rears. The Ranger is the only vehicle that has fought me to death with dragging brakes, so I'm especially familiar with them and don't feel bad about doing yours twice. I did one side 3X in the quest to find the problem.

First reaction to what you said and your pics:

a) The top two springs on your shoes are backwards. After installing the shoe retainer plate (with a SMALL amount of lube, and NOT a petroleum lube), then the self adjuster cable, the next spring to install is the one on the forward shoe, then the (yellow) spring on the rear shoe.

b) The self adjuster cable is installed wrong, it should be rotated 180*. When you do this, the crimp on the top end and under the two springs discussed in a) will be facing you, not the brake shoe like it is now. Also, the plate with the spring on the bottom end of the cable goes behind the adjusting lever, not in front as it is shown now.

c) In the fourth pic, the shoe retainer plate I mentioned in a), it's installed upside down. Said another way, looking at the pic the part that is now pointing at the 6 o'clock position needs to go to the 12 o'clock position. Don't forget that SMALL dab of lube.

d) Speaking of lube, after cleaning the backing plate and before assembly, did you apply a SMALL dab of grease to each of the six contact points common the the brake shoes and the backing plate? These six points, along with the retainer plate noted in c) AND the threaded end/socket end of the self adjuster screw assembly make up the nine places you need to lube when doing each side of the rear brakes.

** The brake shoes are symmetric other than that pin on the rear show used as a mount point for the self adjuster lever and the spring. On the side away from the backing plate and facing you, you will see three points on the outer edge of the shoe, exactly behind these are the same contact points the you need to lube prior to assembly, If you look at the backing plate, you will note that in these contact areas, the plate has been stamped in such a way that grease is actually retained in that stamping.


e) The last step in the assembly process and before installing the drum is to test operation of the self adjuster, You do this by lightly pulling on the self adjuster cable (your 4th pic and at about the 4:30 o'clock position) and verifying that the lever engages and will rotate the self adjuster screw a small amount.


Final thoughts:

1) What brand of shoes and hardware are you using?

2) I have the Ford FSM. I can make the procedure for rear brake shoe replacement available to you. Although it's not earth shattering info, I really think you may find it beneficial to have around for reference.

3) I have before/after pics available.

4) Lube.....go to Autozone and buy yourself a $2 packet of Cerami-Glyde.



*Edit: Thanks to all the heat I had to turn my drums again. You probably will have to do the same.
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  #9  
Old 12-17-2014, 11:31 AM
Savage03 Savage03 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

Good info!

Ok I did lube all the spots you mention.
All the hardware is from autozone, after the first time when one shoe got so tight is was seriously smoking hot they offered to replace everything again so that's how I ended up doing this twice.
While it has not got tight again im afraid it will happen again with the adjuster just allowed to move freely!


I have a copy of the ford manuals also and looked that over but yea simple picture. If you have a pic of yours done I would like to see that.

Like I mentioned earlier to I was on the ford parts site and they list 2 different cable lengths 9.5" and 11" this kit I got from autozone looks to be 11" long so maybe I need 9.5? Might run up to Ford and take a look at the kit in person.
Once I do that I will redo the springs like you say, just to note I was just trying something so why that funky thing at the top is upside down

Top it off I might need a new master cylinder
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  #10  
Old 12-17-2014, 11:43 AM
nopwcb nopwcb is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

just a thought couldn't you compare the old cables to the new ones an inch and a half is a lot. I really don't think you could use the wrong ones and have then connect anywhere close to correct.
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  #11  
Old 12-17-2014, 11:47 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

Picture #1 the adjuster cable "clip" is not touching t h e star whèel?

Picture #4. is it possible you have the adjuster cables on the wrong wheels? Is there an L or an R stamped on them anywhere?
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  #12  
Old 12-17-2014, 11:51 AM
Savage03 Savage03 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

No cause the ones that were on it I tossed after the first brake job
Who ever owned it before shopped at autozone anyways and prob had the same stuff as I do now, if they had replaced the brakes at some point that is.
Does sound like a big difference in length, at the same time theirs a bit of slack to take up also. Guess try Cowboys suggestions first but im really tired of taking these wheels off! lol

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Just saw your post after I did mine....

Correct its not touching, if I go right now and pull the wheel and drum off that's what I will see.
Yes its stamped with a L and is on the correct side, I made sure I labeled the bags when I bought them.
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  #13  
Old 12-17-2014, 12:02 PM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

If you look at the top of #3 is that an "R" STAMPED ON IT? Although I am not sure it matters. The one that matters is the clip at the bottom that touches the star wheel.

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That small bow shaped washer is on wrong as already stated. Done a bunch of drum brakes. They suck!

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Savage03 View Post
Is that an R stamped on the top adjuster cable washer?
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2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Last edited by modelageek; 12-17-2014 at 12:24 PM.
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  #14  
Old 12-17-2014, 12:18 PM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

Here is my 2004 before I did them. I believe they were original
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2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Last edited by modelageek; 12-17-2014 at 12:21 PM.
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  #15  
Old 12-17-2014, 12:31 PM
Mike69 Mike69 is offline
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Default Re: Problem with self adjuster on rear brakes

When ever I have done drum brakes I pull both rear wheels & drums & do one side at a time & use the other side for reference. Make sure the brake shoes are installed front shoe facing foward & the rear shoe facing to the rear of the truck. Every time I have done drum brakes one shoe has more lining then the other & IIRC it should face to the rear of the truck.
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Last edited by Mike69; 12-17-2014 at 12:35 PM.
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