[Spridgets] rear brake adjuster wedge - follow up

[corvallis at peoplepc.com]

IMHO, if you have one bad wheel cylinder, they may all need attention.
...bill in oregon
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-----Original Message-----
From: spridgets-bounces at autox.team.net
[mailto:spridgets-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Lee Fox
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 4:44 PM
To: spridgets at autox.team.net
Subject: [Spridgets] rear brake adjuster wedge - follow up

THANKS to all for the advice on fixing my rear brakes.
I initially thought the problem was with the wedges or the adjusting 
screw, but NO, it was the highly variable size of the brake shoes 
themselves.

We measured at least six pairs of shoes against a known good pair that 
was at least 30 years old. When you set the shoes on edge with the 
lining facing up and match the metal shoes against each other (ignoring 
the linings) the new shoes were approximately 1/10 inch (0.10) shorter! 
No wonder I ran out of adjustment range.

The solution that was suggested by several list members was to weld a 
bead of metal along the edge of the shoe where it meets the adjuster or 
wheel cylinder. A simple job to weld, grind the sides and edges smooth, 
coat the raw metal with lacquer to prevent rusting and install. Wow! I 
have plenty of range left now and a parking brake that works at four clicks!

I also discovered a bad wheel cylinder and leaking hub o-ring, now fixed.

Thanks to all for the help and no thanks to the lousy aftermarket 
supplier of inferior and inconsistent products.

Lee