to me the pics look mislabeled. the pic on the right has the tie rod and strut rods orientated where they would be if that was the passenger side and the same applies to the other pic. the shorter friction surface should be on the strut rod side and thats how it appears in the pics.
Ha, Ha. Yes.....I did not pay attention to how the pictures were labeled. I was looking at the tie rods and strut bars and making my conclusions.
I put the turned drums back on and adjusted them and now it pulls hard to the left instead of the right now. This tells me that it must be an adjustment and not a hydraulic hose problem. I will work on it some more next weekend. Any tips to adjusting them other than patience and trial and error?
Did you make sure to put the drums back on the SAME side you took them off of? Only if you did that would it eliminate the drums being the issue. Otherwise.....you are looking at an adjustment...and trial an error to get them just right.
No I did not mark them. So I could have put that drum on the other side. Should I get new drums? What could be the problem with that drum? It would still eliminate the hydraulic brake hose though wouldn't it?
There is a procedure in the service manual. You install the drums and move the adjusters out until you can't turn the wheel and then you tighten the adjuster a certain number of clicks to get the correct shoe-to-drum clearance. Don't remember how many clicks off-hand.
I used to adjust new drum brake shoes out just until I could slide the drum on and feel it scrape on the shoes going on - then adjust until you can't turn the drum anymore - back out a click at a time until just free but count the clicks as you need to back the other side off the same amount
It could be a problem with ONE of the drums, which is why I asked if they got switched (possibly now putting the bad drum on the other side) but I doubt it. Plus...I don't think you can get new drums anymore, but I don't know for sure. I think it is an adjustment.
For 4-lug? Really? What about 5-lug drum fronts? I have a club member who has looked all over for a pair. We can get a part number. Rock Auto is out of stock, Advance auto, NAPA, etc. all out of stock and saying they can't get anymore in.
I am happy to report that I believe I finally got my brake problem resolved. I believe that turning the front drums was the main culprit. I also adjusted the front brakes according to some of the posts. It is not perfect, but it is no longer pulling hard to either side. It is only very slightly pulling and it is inconsistent. I will adjust the rear brakes this weekend to see if that helps. But at least I am able to drive it. I even drove it to work today 25 miles. Thanks to everyone for all the help.
