Hans,
First, I don't have a TR3a, but I had the same problem with my TR6 frame off
restoration one week ago! My problem was that only one drum would go on,
but not the other. I had changed wheel cylinders, had backed the adjusters
off so the shoes were in as small of profile as possible. Well, I decided
to swap what ended up being the two rear shoes from one side to the other.
The side that I could not get the drum on, now allowed the drum on, but the
other side now had the problem.
I checked the length and arc of the shoe (as best as I could using a ruler,
tape measure, and a dial caliper. Turns out, my one rear shoes arc length
was too long. I fit it into a vice and used a grinder to "size" the shoe to
the same specs of the other one - in other words, I ground the edge that fit
into the square-headed adjuster. After this, both drums fit great!
One thing to note: When trying to fit the drum on the affected side, the
drum would want to just take off a half a millimeter, or thereabouts, of
lining material. If your drum wants to take off more that 1 to 1.5
millimeters, I might suggest that you should change to a different set of
brake shoes.
Good luck.
Eric Conrad
'76 TR6
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-triumphs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-triumphs@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Hansen, Hans C, III (Red), BMSLS
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2000 4:13 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: TR3A Brake Job - HELP!!
Fellow LisTRs -
Prompted by a puddle on the garage floor under my driver's side rear wheel,
I decided to do a rear brake job on my 58 TR3A (TS41439). That was three
months ago.
I got new wheel cylinders, had the drums turned, and finally found "new"
brake shoes. Replaced the cylinders and got them on. Then I placed the shoes
on. Then I tried to put the drums on. They don't fit.
OK, I checked the cylinders to make sure the pistons in the cylinders were
completely retracted. I checked the profile of my old wheel cylinders with
the ones I bought; identical. I turned the hex-headed bolts on the back of
the adjusters to make sure they were completely retracted. I made doubly
sure that the shoes were fitting into both slots on each wheel cylinder. OK,
this should do it. Still, they don't fit! I can't get the drums over the
shoes! I made sure they were centered on the back plates. Still no luck.
I am close to thinking that the shoes are the wrong size. When I placed my
order for them here in Connecticut I had a choice of either putting up a
$200 "core charge" or dropping off my old shoes as I placed my order. I
chose the latter. So, I had no way of comparing the old shoes with the new
shoes.
Before I go back and have the imported auto parts store (none of the big
Three had 10" shoes) give me back my old, but hopefully re-lined, shoes, I
thought I'd ask the List for any suggestions on how to get these shoes to
fit under/within my drums. If the shoes are wrong, then none of your
suggestions will make them right. But, if the shoes are correct for my car,
then what suggestions do you have?
TIA,
Red Hansen
'58 TR3A TS 41439 (Baby needs shoes!)
'74 TR6 CF13994 (Engine rebuild will be completed tomorrow!)
|