The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Brake shoe questions

I’m just a shade tree mechanic but like to say that I do things right (to my best ability). Regarding brakes, I’ve learned over the years that the larger shoe goes to the rear, the leading shoe is smaller and goes forward, but does this really matter? If it does, what are some symptoms that might arise if they are backwards?
Could this cause brakes to intermittently catch?
Does it matter Bendix vs Huckster?
Wear patterns?

Hey Fox;

I've been battling with the brakes building pressure for quite a while for some strange reason the front drivers side starts to drag first after a couple of applications then all the rest follow. Both times driving to and from Reynolds and for the KMS show they would heat up to the point of locking up the right front on grass! Yikes
Usually I would just end up by either getting out the adjusting screwdriver for the front or the wrench for the rear and if that didn't work a quick release of the bleeder valve and I'm good to go for another cruise. Relying on the e brake sucks!
Every component of my brake system was replaced with new parts. I even took the driver side shoe return springs into Edmonton Brake looking for new ones!
At EB is where I got a old school lesson on Huck brakes, the first thing Joe did was drop the spring on the concrete floor listening for the sound they were OK. Next he went through the brake system with me asking what was replaced and if all pivot points were moving and not binding!
He then asked if I'd adjusted the master cyl clevis mounting point where it attaches to the brake pedal lever. He explained that it MUST be just a couple of thousands of an inch loose not tight as the return valve that maintains slight pressure in brake system is extremely close to the end of travel. If it's adjusted up tight the piston won't return far enough. When I got home I climbed under the truck and after backing of the lock nut and with less than half a turn you could hear the pressure being released in the brake cyls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I apparently had it to tight when installing the master cyl.
I plan on bring my truck by for a quick look over which I will do as soon as it dries up here!
I don't know whats going to happen when all the old mechanics who are willing and able to take the time to explain these old systems close up shop. These guys all over are going to be missed big time.

Stay safe!

Doyle

As a side note to my above post all four drums are still in great shape, and even after the brakes dragging issue the linings are down but everything is still well within safe tolerances.

Nice! I think I’ll check mine too. I have had a couple lock when nearing a complete stop. But mine was almost as if the drum was out of round and catching on the “hump” in the surface. It can’t hurt to check.