falconvan Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Could one of you guys run through a brief description of how to adjust the front and rear brake shoes? I have a service manual and it says you need a special tool to get it right. Is there another way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Skinner Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Falconvan, I always took a sketch of the positions of my Anchor Arrows and re-created the positions of the Cams etc when changing out Brake Shoes. Follow the instructions in your Service Manual. If your not sure test drive it and remove Drums again and adjust once more. Its not Rocket Science. If on the other hand you have about a Grand to spend on an Acme Brake Adjusting Tool - go for it. The wonderful ebay fellows think they are worth that much. I think a fellow on this Forum rents one out for S&H and a Deposit. Desoto39 or something like that is his handle. I have done several brake jobs without the tool with great results. Some guys want it perfect first out so take your pick. Here is a pic of a home made one someone on here has shared that I saved. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Could one of you guys run through a brief description of how to adjust the front and rear brake shoes? I have a service manual and it says you need a special tool to get it right. Is there another way? Have you read all the information on the main web page supporting this forum? Use of the tool is the best way in my opinion but others may disagree. There is a procedure on the main page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Saraceno Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Like Don said, there is a section on adjusting brakes in the "Technical Tips" section plus there is a handy reference in the "Downloads" section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 having the correct tool or a reasonable facamile thereof is key not only to proper adjustment of the brakes but also to ensure even wear of the fixed shoes..the procedure is clearly outlined and can be found by searching for the 1750 tool instructions on the forum..I just performed this adjustment within the last four hours..it is not hard to do. I replaced rear wheel cylinders..my shoes have always been adjusted with the tool..they are most even wear all around.. granted you can get solid pedal, brakes that do not pull when stopping but no assurance of even wear by any other method...if this was possible the tool would never have been introduced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodgeb4ya Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 If the shoes are old and worn in to the drums - do only the minor adjustment- the (2) 3/4" upper adjusting screws, don't change the bottom anchor adjustment- AKA (the major adjustment)- the 2 bottom bolts. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Pictured is what happens when the correct tool is not used. As Tim said you may have good pedal feel but your actual contact area is less than 50%. I have suggested many times that the best way to check wear pattern is to make several slashes across the brake shoes with a Sharpie. Then re-assemble and do a test drive. Disassemble and re-check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vintage Metal Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 My 48 coupe brakes all over the place, I'm going to try to adjust or swap over to disks. They are so unpredictable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconvan Posted October 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 Thanks, guys. Lots of good input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Skinner Posted October 15, 2011 Report Share Posted October 15, 2011 One more picture of the home made tool. I am for saving money and being "inventive" in creating new tools made like the old ones. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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