Uneven rear brakes

[EKU867]

Hello to you all,
My 98 LWB SE 380K km has failed the mot due to 50% difference in braking power of the rear brakes. New pads and cylinders installed, all cleaned and fitted as it should be done. Hand brake works evenly on both wheels. Brake pedal seems to travel a little to far before the brakes engage. Has anyone got a clue.
Thanks in advance from a rookie.

 

[jims-terrano]

There is a brake compensation valve on the rear axle above what in the uk the drivers side. That seizes up and fails uk mot.
Also are you sure the adjusters in the drums are working correctly, think Solarman might be the best person to ask about those.

 

[RJL Services]

as jim has said check adjusters in rear drum also check shoes for wear:thumb2

 

[jims-terrano]

Also don’t forget one of the shoes in each drum is thinner by design too.

 

[solarman216]

New cylinders, providing the shoes are assembled correctly should give equal braking on both sides, the load sensing valve does not separate each side just controls the pressure relative to vehicle load, if the HB is balanced but the foot brake is not, then there is a problem with the hydraulics, if they were balanced before cylinders were changed then this would suggest some debris entered on the lesser working side, if it was unbalanced before then rust or debris was already in the system, Rick

 

[perelaar]

Had this exact same issue, turned out to be a leaking axle oil seal. It was obvious though, brake shoes and inside of the drum on that side were looking dirty and moist.

If no oil leaking anywhere, first thing coming to mind would be an air bubble in the brake line to the underperforming side?