96 Windstar, can't put on new drum!

hemiguy · #1 07-07-2006, 11:31 AM

Hi.
Here is one for you. I tried to put new shoes and drums on my Windstar. Everything was going fine, I've done plenty of brakes on all kinds of cars, so I don't see anything unusual about these.
But when I tried to put on the drum it would go on crooked, so would bind if you tried to straighten it. To make a long story short I removed everything, springs, front shoe, adjuster and emergency brake. Just the rear shoe was on alone, and I still cannot get the drum on straight. Ok, off to the parts store for a different drum and set of shoes, still have the same problem.
I had to drive it so I have one new front shoe, one old shoe, and the new drum. The shoes look to be exactly the same side by side.
Has anyone seen this problem? I'm out of ideas.

Thanks,
John

KimMG · #2 07-07-2006, 11:51 AM

I have only had this problem when the adjuster wasn't screwed in.

phil-l · #3 07-07-2006, 12:14 PM

Do you have a bent stud?

This is mysterious: So... With (basically) *NO* brake hardware in the way (shoes, springs, adjuster all removed), the drum won't fit correctly on the hub?

Can you see what's preventing it from seating evenly? When it first goes on, of course, only the studs touch the drum. Eventually, it will seat on the hub.

I'm running out of ideas...

hemiguy · #4 07-07-2006, 12:33 PM

That is correct.
No Bent stud, I can't even force the drum by hand to seat on the hub. I can get it on about half way, then it starts to tilt towards the front which will go most of the way, but the rear binds. With no shoes it goes on fine of course.
Both sides of the car by the way have the same problem.

Only the spring and post that hold the shoe to the backing pate is on so the shoe is free to float. I can't see what is causing the problem, the old shoe fits fine.
I was thinking of grinding some of the shoe where it slides into the brake cylinder to see if that is the problem. It's almost as if the shoe lining is too thick.
I'm perplexed to say the least!

Thanks,
J

DRW1000 · #5 07-07-2006, 02:38 PM

Did you push the brake cylinder pistons back into place? And is the parking brake off?

hemiguy · #6 07-07-2006, 03:42 PM

Yes, I did and there NO brake hardware installed except the rear shoe.

Could the brake cylinder be stuck and be partially extended?
Hmmm, maybe it needs to be removed and replaced.
Something to try, after ten years it's a good idea to replace them anyway.

Thanks,
J

12Ounce · #7 07-07-2006, 08:24 PM

I would have the parts store do an internal "mikeing" (measuring) of the inside diameter of the new drums. I expect they are not machined fully.

Chinese, right?

And, of course, the cylinder piston should be free to "float" in the cylinder ... if it is stuck, as you say .... replace it!

phil-l · #8 07-08-2006, 08:05 AM

I had one end of a wheel cylinder stick on my Windstar.

Try this: If you put your thumb on one end of the wheel cylinder - and your index finger on the other end, you should be able to push the pistons back and forth slightly within the wheel cylinder. You'll feel some resistance, but they should move.

In my case, the right-rear brakes acted funny. When I pulled everything apart, I discovered that the rear piston of that wheel cylinder was stuck. The front one still worked, so the brakes were still partially engaging.

A stuck piston would force a new brake shoe to stick out too far - and hit the edge of the drum, creating the scenario you've described. Wheel cylinders are pretty cheap and easy to replace, though you'll need to bleed the brakes.

wiswind · #9 07-08-2006, 11:16 AM

If concerned about the new drum......see if the old one goes on.
I had to take a pair of Chinese drums back to Napa because one of them was out of ballance....caused the car to shake above 40mph.
I bought a pair of Bendix drums from Advance Auto, and they were fine.

It is also possible that the cylinder is stuck as mentioned.

I have complete pictures of my rear brake job in my pictures.

ModMech · #10 07-08-2006, 12:51 PM

I would *think* this is either a stuck wheel cylinder piston, or a bad drum (mis-application, not machined correctly etc) problem.

If the OLD drums fit with all the new brake hardware, then it's the new drums - and no that is not at all unlikely. I WILL NOT buy auto parts made overseas (Except for Brembo, which is Italy). Not "Made in the USA" = no go on my car.

If the old drums DO NOT fit with the new parts, then the piston is likely stuck in the bore. IF you can get the brake line tube-nut loose, replacement is about as easy as anything can get. If not, I would rebuild it where it sits - this too is not at all difficult.

hemiguy · #11 07-09-2006, 05:13 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions!
I didn't get a chance to work on it this weekend, but hopefully I will this week.
I'll check the cylinders and the drums and let you all know what I find.

J

LeSabre97mint · #12 07-09-2006, 10:51 PM

Hello

When you go to remove the old wheel cylinders becareful when removing the brake line. Make shure that the nut is turning on the tub and not the tub turning with the nut. If the nut is stuck on the tube, I've pulled the cylinder out of the backing plate and then turned the cylinder to get the tube off and then taken a torch to the nut and the rust gives up.

FYI

Dan

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