So in my never ending quest to get my [censored] brakes done, I decided to just go ahead and replace all the rear brakes, cylinders, springs, hardware, shoes and drums. At this point the only thing not brand new in my braking system is the brake pedal. Well anyways. After staring at bunch of springs for a while, I slowly remembered how to do this. It's probably been 20 years since I touched drum brakes. Anyways. After assembling the driver side brakes, the adjuster lever contacts the adjuster and I get a nice click each time I turn it. On the passenger side, the adjuster lever is really close to the adjuster, but it doesn't make contact, so the adjuster can spin in both directions. I took it apart a few times and switched around the adjuster and spring, but it is still off a little bit. Is this normal? It should make contact with the adjuster right? Any chance this will sort itself out after I apply the brakes? I'm HOPING that maybe the shoes and assembly will shift and everything will be okay. Any other ideas?
Take the rod out that goes to the self adjuster and put in a vice and give it a little more of a bend where it's already bent to go around the wheel cylinder. Works everytime.
Hey thanks Chief. I knew somebody on here would know the answer. This internet thing is amazing!! I'll tear it back down this weekend along with hopefully getting my pedal installed and FINALLY getting this thing back on the road, or at least out of the garage. Thanks again guys! I'm sure I'll be posting back up this weekend, with another question.
Wow, Just a shade under a year since I last touched the bird. I bent that metal piece and it catches like a champ. Finally got the Firebird back on the road after a 2 year brake. Wasn't just the drums but converting over to power disc, with all new brake lines. So glad the end is in sight. thanks again for the advice!