Gen 2 Brake Shoe Question..

[jefe]

91 Camry 4-cycl auto american-built (3sFE I Think?)

I took off the passenger drum to replace the parking brake cable. In order to remove the screws that attach the brake cable I had to disconnect the top of the brake shoe/pad from the spring and let it hang down. I also had to remove a spring mechanism in the middle of the shoe that consisted of a pin with a flattened part at the end and 2 metal discs and a spring. (This mechanism appeared to be there to hold the middle of the shoe/pad against the inside of the drum.)

After I reassebled I noticed a faint grating noise coming from that wheel. When I disassembled everything again I noticed fresh metal where the brake shoe/pad was rubbing against the inside of the drum. The part that is rubbing is in the middle part of the shoe on the middle side (in other words on the back side of the shoe as you are looking at it when it is installed....I guess the medial side?)

Should I be worried. Could it be that the spring mechanism needs to be replaced (The main spring that holds the shoe at the top looks fine).

Any and all input greatly appreciated!!

[userlain]

Originally Posted by jefe

91 Camry 4-cycl auto american-built (3sFE I Think?)

I took off the passenger drum to replace the parking brake cable. In order to remove the screws that attach the brake cable I had to disconnect the top of the brake shoe/pad from the spring and let it hang down. I also had to remove a spring mechanism in the middle of the shoe that consisted of a pin with a flattened part at the end and 2 metal discs and a spring. (This mechanism appeared to be there to hold the middle of the shoe/pad against the inside of the drum.)

After I reassebled I noticed a faint grating noise coming from that wheel. When I disassembled everything again I noticed fresh metal where the brake shoe/pad was rubbing against the inside of the drum. The part that is rubbing is in the middle part of the shoe on the middle side (in other words on the back side of the shoe as you are looking at it when it is installed....I guess the medial side?)

Should I be worried. Could it be that the spring mechanism needs to be replaced (The main spring that holds the shoe at the top looks fine).

Any and all input greatly appreciated!!

Don't worry much. The shoe pad will grind down and the sound will stop.

EDIT: You can also use the adjusting screw and bring the shoes in a bit, but it isn't neccesary.

[jefe]

Thanks userlain.

I'm going to just wait it out. Out of curiosuty though, what screw are you referring to? My shoe was connected by a large spring at the top and bottom, then the small spring mechanism I described in the middle section which wasn't adjustable.

[userlain]

Well, behind the top spring there should be an adjusting screw.

Don't worry about it though, brakes have a way of adjusting themselves.

Glad I could help!

[88 LE]

http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d8013f9c1.gif

[jefe]

Thanks for the diagram 88LE.

OK, on the exploded view, the area of the shoe that is rubbing is behind the pin/cup/shoe-hold-down-spring/cup assembly. It is rubbing on the back of the drum at the 9-o'clock position where there is a white arrow. I guess I could put a thin layer of high temp. grease there when I finish up the brake cable installation.

Userlain: Would the adjustment screw being tightened have any effect on the rubbing? It seems like that would only pinch together the 2 shoes up at the top (12 o'clock). Also, is the purpose of that adjustment screw to allow you to bring the shoes in when you install new ones (which would be thicker than the old, worn ones)?

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by jefe

Is the purpose of that adjustment screw to allow you to bring the shoes in when you install new ones (which would be thicker than the old, worn ones)?

Correct.


This is what my Chiltons manual says:

All models are equipped with self adjusting rear drum brakes. Under normal conditions, adjustment of the rear brake shoes should not be necessary. However, if an initial adjustment is required insert the blade of a brake adjuster tool or a screwdriver into the hole in the brake drum and turn the adjuster slowly. The tension is set correctly if the tire and wheel assembly will rotate approximately 3 times when spun with moderate force. Do not over adjust the brake shoes. Before adjusting the rear drum brake shoes, make sure emergency brake is in the OFF position, and all cables are free.

[jefe]

Thanks! You guys helped tremendously.