Need help. New to drum brakes.

[Datsun620longbed]

So I'm trying to replace the brake cylinders on my 77 620 and I can't figure out how to get the shoes off. Please Help.

[Jersey]

I just did a search and found this, it may be helpful to you...good luck.

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/25312-drum-help-please/?fromsearch=1

[izzo]

Follow the link

 

Get the drums off.  Once you do that. pull the springs off the shoes, then the little caps that hold them in place. they will come right out.  Set the adjust back IN (so the shoes would be getting sucked away from the drum as the new shoes will have more surface)  install your new shoes, put the drums back on and adjust to spec.  Done deal. 

[Datsun620longbed]

Okay so I got it done. replaced the cylinders, shoes, fluid, and bled the lines. The reason I did this is because I want to sell it and the brakes were and still are terrible even after all that, by terrible I mean they don't start to slow my truck until the pedal is almost to the floor and I don't know why. Brake booster maybe? just asking what you guys think the problem might be.

[datzenmike]

Lift wheel and spin by hand. Tighten each adjuster until you feel slight drag. Depress brake to center the shoes and check.... add more adjustment if needed. Now do the other three wheels.

 

If peddle still goes to the floor you have air in the system. Still.

[Datsun620longbed]

Lift wheel and spin by hand. Tighten each adjuster until you feel slight drag. Depress brake to center the shoes and check.... add more adjustment if needed. Now do the other three wheels.

 

If peddle still goes to the floor you have air in the system. Still.

Could that be why I can't get the back drums off? the adjustment is too far out? Because even with the parking brake off and penetrating oil they don't budge.

[Datsun620longbed]

If the car is still registered to you, wouldn't you still be getting registration renewals?  I haven't lived in OR so I'm not sure how it works for you, but I get them in CA even for non-op'd vehicles.

Yes I do have to renew my registration and tags, But I don't have to if I don't operate it. But I'm okay until 2016 I believe. Why?

[thisismatt]

Sorry, wrong thread

[teagueauto21]

Could that be why I can't get the back drums off? the adjustment is too far out? Because even with the parking brake off and penetrating oil they don't budge.

they are just seized to the hubs. take a small hammer and Tap in between the lug studs to break up all the rust and old brake dust, they should just slide off afterwards.

[Datsun620longbed]

they are just seized to the hubs. take a small hammer and Tap in between the lug studs to break up all the rust and old brake dust, they should just slide off afterwards.

I tried that and it still didn't budge.

[red13]

Did u try the two threaded holes in the hub?

[teagueauto21]

Did u try the two threaded holes in the hub?

I was fixing to say the same thing.

[datzenmike]

Okay so I got it done. replaced the cylinders, shoes, fluid, and bled the lines. The reason I did this is because I want to sell it and the brakes were and still are terrible even after all that, by terrible I mean they don't start to slow my truck until the pedal is almost to the floor and I don't know why. Brake booster maybe? just asking what you guys think the problem might be.

 

So is it done or not? Now you say cant get the drums off.

 

(sigh)

 

If the backs are not 'done' you will have to take the rubber cover off the backing plate and reach in with a screwdriver and spin the star wheel to back the shoes away from the drum so they wll release. Make sure E brake is off. With the shoes retracted, give the drum a good smack at 12, 6, 9 and 3 o'clock to break it loose from the axle. Don't hit the lugs. Hit towards the outer edge, this will give it some leverage. If this fails get suitable metric bolts (12mm heads) and screw into the two holes between the lugs. DON'T overtighten and strip them. Justgood and snug, and repeat hitting around the outside, tighten slightly and tap around again, tighten and tap. The drum should dislodge slowly and come off. It's possible the adjuster is stuck or a shoe not retracting. Using the bolts in the holes will likely get them off but tear the anti rattle springs off with them. 

[Datsun620longbed]

So is it done or not? Now you say cant get the drums off.

 

(sigh)

 

If the backs are not 'done' you will have to take the rubber cover off the backing plate and reach in with a screwdriver and spin the star wheel to back the shoes away from the drum so they wll release. Make sure E brake is off. With the shoes retracted, give the drum a good smack at 12, 6, 9 and 3 o'clock to break it loose from the axle. Don't hit the lugs. Hit towards the outer edge, this will give it some leverage. If this fails get suitable metric bolts (12mm heads) and screw into the two holes between the lugs. DON'T overtighten and strip them. Justgood and snug, and repeat hitting around the outside, tighten slightly and tap around again, tighten and tap. The drum should dislodge slowly and come off. It's possible the adjuster is stuck or a shoe not retracting. Using the bolts in the holes will likely get them off but tear the anti rattle springs off with them. 

I was only doing the front yesterday because thats all I had time and the parts for. I did get it done and adjusted them this morning before school and they work a lot better thanks for the advice.

[datzenmike]

Check them again tonight. Even a small amount of shoe travel will eat up peddle travel and make them feel mushy.  Unfortunately they should be checked and adjusted every 2-3 months to keep them at optimal performance. Most of the time you don't need them in a panic, but when you do... you want to stop fast... and straight. Once set adjust the E brake. This is your second line of defense and a back up to get stopped. It's not meant to be used in place of the hydraulic brakes just as a back up, but they should still work. Use your e brake every time you park and the cables will never seize up..