This pertains to my '91 XJ. I just got done redoing the rear drum brake hardware. I replaced shoes/drums 1.5 years ago with hardware. Friend helped me, janked up the hardware. I redid a few months ago, but I also made a slight mistake with the self-adjusting mechanicsm and resulted in an issue on the left side. I fixed it and went to correct the right side drum.

I cannot for the life of me get this drum back on. It is insanely tight, and it's like the shoes don't want to line up on the backing plate. Correct size shoes/drum with correct hardware following all the write-ups and diagrams to the T. The star adjuster is drawn all the way down and yet the drum will not go on. No grooves or anything in the drum or shoes. What am I missing here?

I also noticed when I 'can' get the drum on (and have to hammer it back off), I can force spin it to the front but not the rear. These drums and especially this side have given me ZERO problems up until now. What am I doing wrong?

I hate drum brakes.

 

I'll go ahead and ask.. is there some way the wheel cylinders are supposed to be 'pushed back in', like front brake calipers? I am pulling my hair out with this one. I cannot wait until I have some extra cash to change to pads.

Also, wheel cylinders are new as well.

 

is your ebrake pulled? Post some pics of the drums setup so we can see if anything looks out of place.

 

I'm going to run out and try seating them again. If that fails, I will grab a picture. E-brake is not pulled, just put the Jeep in 4x4 to kind of help keep the fronts from wanting to roll while the **** end is on stands.

 

After cussing, banging, smacking, sorcery, etc... The drum will turn slightly easier now, but is still quite tight. Also, if I try to rotate clockwise, it will bind and not rotate or barely will rotate.

Edit: Also, the shoes look to be off-center of the backing plate slightly. When I go the put the drum on, it will slide with some love over the shoes, but looks initially like it is off center of the axle. I have to force it to center, which results in the binding.

Pics:







Who invented the drum brakes? I'd like to beat him/her senseless.

 

Also, the driver's side drum which I did the exact same thing on is fine. I don't think the e-brake cable is seized. The tops of the shoes come close to the center post on the backing plate.

This is driving me crazy. My Jeep has been down for 2 weeks because of this and no time to do it. Finally get time for it, and POS won't work. I am starting to hate this thing.

 

Question. Did you install the shoes correctly? There are two different parts to a set. One goes towards the front and one towards the rear. Did the parts clerk give you the right parts? I have never had the problem but have heard that there were a 9 in set and a 10 in set.

 

9inch brakes with 2.5" pads. Used them before with no issues.

Spraying down with cleaner and more banging/moving/sorcery has the drum now spinning decently. No adjustment yet. I am going to drive it a little and see if it adjusts and the ebrake loosens.

 

I had that exact same problem on my 89 cherokee the solution was the wheel cylinder was shot on my passenger rear. The cylinder seemed to be ok until I looked at the bottom of the drum in the back and noticed a wet spot. After replacement the drum and hardware went back together with ease.

 

Wheel cylinders are new with no leaks or dragging. Thank you though!

This has me stumped. Drums blow.

 

Did you try turning the adjuster to back the bakes off enough to get the drums on?

 

The star is backed all the way out.

 

Update:

I banged on it more and more and cussed. Got fed up and put it back together and drove it expecting the brakes to seize or some crap. Seems to drive ok?!? It isn't dragging, brakes feel firm. I don't get it. I did notice the right rear drum is hot to the touch. Not shining or smoking hot, just hot that if you hold your finger on it you'll feel stupid. I am at a loss. Left side isn't as hot.

 

I had the same problem, turns out there are specific locations the shoes need to be installed in. If you sit them out and look their will be 2 pairs of different shoes in the box. If memory serves me each side will have a longer one and a smaller one.

 

Should've saved your money and time and put it towards disc brake conversion... Possibly my favorite mod to my XJ. (So far...)