New rear/hand brake system too tight.

[jdstrat]

Hi there, i've just replaced my handbrake shoes and the drum (or disc, the part acts as both) and the brakes are too tight. the drums slid on ok so i don't know why it's decided to do this now. i've adjusted the brake shoes to be at minimum width.

Now what i'd like some suggestions with is whether or not i should:-
(a) drive slow for a few blocks with the handbrake partially on to wear it all down (while trying not to overheat the brakes)

(b) take the axle shaft out, pull the pads off, see if i can take the pads down a touch and stuff with it some more, or

(c) take the drums to be machined that little bit.

If anyone can get back to me on this one it would be greatly appreciated. thank you!

[hako]

My advice is to pull the drums off again as it sounds like you've assembled it wrong. However first make sure the cable is slack although I imagine you've checked this already. If both sides are stiff then pull both drums. If the drums slid on OK then something has come adrift. I wouldn't try to wear the shoes down by driving as you'l probably cause irrepairable damage to the drums and shoes. Good Luck.

[greenacc]

jack it up and see if they are tight with the wheels in the air. i know your utes not IRS but there could still be an issue if you adjusted it with the wheels in the air instead of on the ground ?

[jdstrat]

sorry guys i spoke too soon i feel like an absolute twit. re-assessed the situation. took the pads out of the disc caliper and the disc spun freely. thought it was seized pistons for a second, pulled them apart, seemed fine. what it was was the bottom pin that holds the piston section of the brake in place had severely rusted so it wasn't letting the pads sit freely. was hard against the disc. had to knock the shit out of the pins to get them out, wire brushed them back and overdosed them in grease, works a treat now. sorry for the rash assumption it was the hand brake setup.

[greenacc]

very funny , at least you worked it out bro. Hope you used the proper slide grease ? Might pay to check your front callipers to and grease the front pins ...