URGENT! Brake Help

I'm replacing my rear drum pads on my 92 Honda Civic. I also had to
replace a wheel cylinder. I got everything back together and ran into a
problem. I can't get the drum to fit of the new brake pads. I've turned
the adjuster to the smallest it will go.

I'm 99% positive that I have everything back together correctly. But
maybe not since it's not going back together.

Any advice or suggestions are very welcome. I need to get this fixed
today!

Thanks

 

Is the adjuster loose even with the shoe return spring in place?

 

Perhaps the brake shoe assembly is not centered on the backing plate?
Another possibility is that you did not push the wheel cylinder's pistons in
before connecting it to the brake line. This could cause a "hydraulic lock"
preventing the shoes from coming back to a full return position. If you
suspect this might be the case, try opening the bleeder valve to see if the
return springs pull the shoes inward.

Eric

 

Try pushing the wheel cylinder pistons in, I assume you already bleed
the line.

 

In addition to the other comments, make sure the slotted pieces (cylinder
ends and adjuster) are seated on the shoes. I've had them bind and not allow
the shoes to come in all the way.

If only one side is the problem, you can compare clearances to the other
side. Otherwise, is it possible the parts you got are wrong?

Mike

 

Did you back off the emergency brake cable adjustment?

 

That IS the adjuster within the drum, which he did back off.

The OP is warned NOT to back off the cable adjustment inside the car in an
attempt to fix this.

 

I've always found that installation of the return spring is enough to press
the pistons all the way in.

 

You have never come across a car (especially a 14 year old one) where
someone has tightened the parking brake cable in order to get to three
clicks - maybe because the self adjusters weren't working? If you don't
loosen it back up those drums are not going on.

 

When I've had bad self-adjusters the pedal play was bad enough that I never
even gave the parking brake a thought.

Mike

 

Eh, good point. I forgot the loose-nut-behind-the-wheel factor.

 

I had the same problem on a Mazda 626 and ended up using a belt sander
to remove lining from the shoes. Good luck