Re: [FWDLK] Brake Problems

Howdy Maverick,

Did you recently have the brake shoes (not "pads" - that is the term in disc brakes) relined? Most reliners automatically put on thicker-than-factory linings thinking that the drums must have been cut several times over the years. If they have not been, then the lining needs to be standard thickness.

Have your drums checked with a drum gauge to see how far they have been turned. And if you have a shop manual, look for a spec on how thick the lining should be.

Its possible that your other (passenger) side front drum was turned more than the driver's side explaining why that side is not dragging.

Also look in your shop manual to see if there is a way to center the brake shoes on the backing plate. In the later "center plane" style of brakes ('56 and up) this was automatic, but in earlier brakes, one could move a main bolt to change the position within the drum.

Of course, going through the book for minor adjustments should all be done first, but I presume you already did that.

Wayne

-----Original Message-----
From: Maverick Woodward [mailto:Mavrik8511@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2001 5:16 PM
Subject: Brake Problems

Hi Everyone. I hope someone can help with this. I have a '55 Desoto that has
a problem with the driver side front brakes dragging. The pads look almost
new. The top and bottom adjuster cams have been turned down to provide
maximum clearance and the center cams have been adjusted down so that they
are not engaging the pads. Yet the pads are still dragging. What am I
missing?? The Service Manual shows a tool to measure clearance between the
pad and the drum but surely there has to be a way to do this without using a
factory tool that I'm sure is no longer available. Thanks ahead of time for
any help.

Maverick Woodward
Mavrik8511@xxxxxxx
'55 Desoto Fireflite Coronado