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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 257
A
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
A Offline
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 257
Adjusting the brake shoes on my '59 1/2 ton. In looking at the shop manuals instructions, it says to adjust until you get a light drag and then back off seven clicks. I understand the procedure, but everyone has a different interpretation of what " Light Drag " means. Does it mean, adjust until you JUST hear a rubbing noise. Or does it mean adjust until there is a noticeable resistance?

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,597
W
Riding in the Passing Lane
Riding in the Passing Lane
W Offline
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,597
Adjust them till you get a heavy drag. Then back itb off about 4 notches. You may get a little rubbing but it doesn't hurt. The shoes float in ther & usually rub on one side or the other. I have been doing them like that for 60 years & have a good high pedal.


They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing.
1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne Super
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,837
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,837
Tighten the starwheel until you get a firm drag, enough that it takes a little effort to turn the wheel. This seats both shoes firmly against the drum and pushes the pistons into the wheel cylinder fully, but does not lock up the wheel. Then retract the adjuster ONE FULL TURN of the starwheel- - - -usually 8 to 10 clicks. If that seems like a lot, remember that it's only one thread on the adjuster bolt. That's less than 1/16". Ignore any "drag" or scuffing noises, as there's no telling where the shoes on a Bendix brake will end up once the tension against the drum goes away. The bottom of the shoe assembly "floats" and self-centers itself when the brakes are applied. Just backing off until the wheel turns freely doesn't allow for enough clearance to prevent drag as the shoes heat up after a few stops.
Jerry


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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 146
O
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
O Offline
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 146
Good to know. I recently installed new drums and shoes on my 52' 1/2 ton. The book doesn't define exactly what "light drag" is. Now I can adjust my brakes correctly! Thanks


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