Rear Brakes please help

[John B]

Hi again, I've noticed that the rear drum on the drivers side is getting hot, so today I've striped it all down on both sides and all seems on, The handbrake is returning so no sticking handbrake cable adjusted the shoes up bit at a time and put wheel back on and span it a few times all seems fine so then moved on to adjust the handbrake making sure it's not binding. Took the car for a drive and the off side drum is getting hot very hot so I let it cool down and slackened off the handbrake cable to the point there is no tension on it at all but the drum is still getting hot ??? What am I doing wrong . I can't say I've been pulling my hair out because I ain't got any

[AD Ent]

Wheel bearing?

[John B]

Originally Posted by AD Ent

Wheel bearing?

Would that make the drum get that hot ???

[AD Ent]

hmm you did say it spun quite well so maybe not

[Kishada]

Originally Posted by John B

Hi again, I've noticed that the rear drum on the drivers side is getting hot, so today I've striped it all down on both sides and all seems on, The handbrake is returning so no sticking handbrake cable adjusted the shoes up bit at a time and put wheel back on and span it a few times all seems fine so then moved on to adjust the handbrake making sure it's not binding. Took the car for a drive and the off side drum is getting hot very hot so I let it cool down and slackened off the handbrake cable to the point there is no tension on it at all but the drum is still getting hot ??? What am I doing wrong . I can't say I've been pulling my hair out because I ain't got any

You didn't state whether both of the pistons return in to the cylinder when gently pushed (use a screw driver if necessary but watch the seals and minimal force should be required).

Have you had someone work the handbrake in the car while you watch the position of both handbrake lever arms on the shoes with the handbrake both on and off to check it is not stuck on?

[John B]

Hi, it had new cylinders only 6 months ago so I didn't really pay them much attention but saying that one pistons of the cylinder came out but not all the way as to loose fluid as I took the shoes off and had to use a bit of force to push it back in ?? The handbrake arm is returning as it should as I checked it like you just said. Is it possible that the rubber brake hose in the middle of the rear axel is braking down causing the brake cylinder to stick ??

[Lazy-Ferret]

just a silly idea, but the hand brake cable isn't caught on something, so when the wheels are returned to their normal position, rather than just hanging down, it pulls tight?

[macabethiel]

Just basics really already mentioned about pistons being free.
Are the springs in the right position to pull the linings back ?
Is the rear axle moving backwards as you drive forwards ?
Had a problem many years ago on a Vauxhall when a rear spring broke and the axle moved back pulling the handbrake on on on e side. To drive home from wales I had to completely disconnect the cable. Mind you this was on a vehicle with cart axle rear suspension.

[John B]

Originally Posted by macabethiel

Just basics really already mentioned about pistons being free.
Are the springs in the right position to pull the linings back ?
Is the rear axle moving backwards as you drive forwards ?
Had a problem many years ago on a Vauxhall when a rear spring broke and the axle moved back pulling the handbrake on on on e side. To drive home from wales I had to completely disconnect the cable. Mind you this was on a vehicle with cart axle rear suspension.

Hi, what do you mean when you say about the axel moving backwards, is that possible do you mean it would pull the handbrake cable ?

[macabethiel]

Basically when the axle moved back this resulted in the axle pulling against the cable and the outer cable just stretched as it was spiral bound and not designed for load . This resulted in the axle pulling on the inner hand brake cable and applied the brakes on one side. Dont know if this could happen on your motor just a thought.

[Kishada]

To eliminate the flexi just clamp if off and give it a drive.
You've ruled out most other possibilities.
Good idea stated above on the rear axle movement.
Also check the handbrake cable mounting point on the chassis, arcascomp's sheared off at one end once the spot welds corroded through!

[MudLifeCrisis]

Isn't there a load compensator somewhere on the back that affects the brakes ?

[rustic]

Originally Posted by MudLifeCrisis

Isn't there a load compensator somewhere on the back that affects the brakes ?

There is, but it is on the hydraulic side, but I doubt this could fail, so that it retains pressure under no braking.

It is a valve that allows more braking to the rear, when there is more load, and it relies on a spring between the chassis and the axle.

So I doubt many are working, and most are probably seized in the no load position, and this is exactly how we present our vehicles for MOT, so are able to pass.

If we put an extra 500 kg on the back axle, would we actually notice the valve working.

In fact, I recall only once the rear brakes locking up before the front, the front always locks up first, and I have been driving my Mav for 18 1/2 years.



Rustic.

[John B]

Thanks all for your help, I spoke to my mate who works in a motor factors and he said its most probably the springs which go from shoe to shoe, one on the top and one one the bottom as he said even tho it's fine with the both wheels up in the air as soon as you put extra pressure on the brake pedal under normal driving conditions the springs go weak over time and fail to pull shoes back from drum.So I picked up a set of springs which come complete with the springs that hold the shoes in place and pins and caps made by mintex for only a fiver so fingers crossed

[solarman216]

Originally Posted by John B

Thanks all for your help, I spoke to my mate who works in a motor factors and he said its most probably the springs which go from shoe to shoe, one on the top and one one the bottom as he said even tho it's fine with the both wheels up in the air as soon as you put extra pressure on the brake pedal under normal driving conditions the springs go weak over time and fail to pull shoes back from drum.So I picked up a set of springs which come complete with the springs that hold the shoes in place and pins and caps made by mintex for only a fiver so fingers crossed

would be very surprised if it was the springs unless they have been over stretched when fitting, but even then if they work with the wheel in the air they will work on the ground, how are you jacking it up, chassis or axle, Rick