I decided to examine the condition of the rear brake shoes on my 2002 Accent. I undid the tension on the handbrake and got the drum off. I wanted to show my son how the handbrake affected the motion of the shoes, so I had him pull up, and then lower the handbrake with the drum off. WHAT A MISTAKE. Now the shoes are fully "out" and don't want to return. The piston pushes back in no problem, but the shoes do not budge. The drum cannot be put back with the shoes where they are at. How do I retract the shoes??? This car isn't going anywhere as it is.

Thanks much,
Steve

:beer: Holly Cow "smichelsen";

Have you try to remove the adjusting spindle under the breke cylinder and screw it back to 0 adjustment?

:beer:

TheIceAge

Well I am a complete newbie when it comes to working with drum brakes. I was checking the shoes, not replacing them. Are you talking about the brake shoe adjuster? How do I remove that and set to "0" anyway? Is it possible to "set it right" without taking apart the whole thing?

Thanks,
Steve

:beer:

"smichelsen"

Are both side having the same problem?
If not, ensure that the parking brake lever in the car is in the down (off) position, and remove the other drum only if it comes off easilly, DO NOT pry the other drum off.
If the above works, compare both side and see if the problem side need some adjustment.
If the above fails, go on with the remaining explanations,,,
As per the picture you supplied....
First; with the parking brake lever in the car in the down(off) position, check the shoe return upper spring, it should not be extended at all, it should not be under tension at all.
Second; with the parking brake lever in the car in the down(off) position, ensure that the operating lever as completely returned back to its normal position which is right behind the brake shoe.
Third; if step 1 and 2 are corrected, check to see if the drum will fit, if not, notice where it dosen't fit...Is it at the top of the drum or the bottom? Let me know...
If it's the top of the drum that will not fit, the brake shoe adjuster will need adjustement. If it's the bottom of the drum that will not fit, the brake shoes are not position properly on the baking plate.
Awaiting your response for further instructions. :amen:

TheIceAge

:beer:

It was the top of the drum that would not fit. I pulled the "shoe return upper spring" in order to reach the brake shoe adjuster. It was easier to pull the adjuster out, set it smaller, and replace it than to spin the star wheel in place. I got it back on and the shoes closed up. Of course in the process I dis-located the "lever pawl" that I suppose keeps the adjuster adjusted. Couldn't get the lever back on properly; it wouldn't stay seated against the star wheel. So, I removed it altogether, closed the whole thing up and drove the car the few miles to my friendly neighborhood mechanic (brakes worked fine despite my efforts). I suppose I wimped out a bit but I know what I don't know, and that's setting up rear brakes. I will have to watch over someone's shoulder some day to see how it's done (right), until then...

:beer:

"smichelsen"

YOUR :00000732:


Watch The Spike Network - Shade Tree Mechanics / 2 Guys' Garage!!!

:amen:

TheIceAge