brake problem

[Alan Peake]

I replaced my front wheel cylinders, springs and shoes, bled the system. But when I push the pedal, the fluid apparently does not return to the master cylinder, because the pedal stays hard and the brake shoes do not retreat, causing them to scrape constantly. Please advise. Thanks, Alan in Cat Spring Texas

[jermphil]

i haven't done my brakes yet, buti have been told that it may be a decen idea to "totally" bleed the brakes. pump a few tanks of fluid through to assure a free flow. then work them until the reserve acts right. i have hear that for some reason..probably rust or water or any gunk could gum up the works. i'm not an expert, and that is a shade tree answer..but it's one thing..hope it helps

[Goose10202]

Did you adjust the shoes when you put the drums back on? Using a screw driver or similar through the hole in the drum you turn the star wheel and get the shoes just off the drum. That should free up the brakes and make the pedal work properly.

[BoatCop]

Check the rubber brake lines. If they collapse (internally) they won't allow the fluid to return and will cause the brakes to stay set.

If they are original it's a good idea to replace them anyway.