[drew4x4]

I replaced the shoes on my 99, and can't seem to make the self adjusters work. I have had the drums off 3-4 times to fix this issue and can't find a solution. The first time the cable router was not in the hole in the rear shoe, but the spring tang was. This allowed too much slack in the cable so it would not actuate. I have this fixed and it works but when the lever swings back across the star wheel it turns it backwards and un-adjusts the jack screw. Any help would be appreciated. BTW I have had good results with drum brakes in the past, but its been over 15 years since I have worked on a vehicle with drums.

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by drew4x4

when the lever swings back across the star wheel it turns it backwards and un-adjusts the jack screw. Any help would be appreciated.

Is it possible that you inadvertantly reversed the left and right adjusters? Doing so will cause exactly what you describe.

[drew4x4]

I did check that last time I had them off and they are correct. The star wheel notches are not symmetrical and are slightly barbed which I have facing the adjuster when it is static, but the friction of the lever is enough to turn it backwards when it retracts. It seems like there should be more friction on the adjuster to prevent it from turning backwards. Servicing drum brakes seems to be a lost art. Thanks for the reply.

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Is it possible that you inadvertantly reversed the left and right adjusters? Doing so will cause exactly what you describe.

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by drew4x4

The star wheel notches are not symmetrical and are slightly barbed which I have facing the adjuster when it is static, but the friction of the lever is enough to turn it backwards when it retracts.

That could be because the adjuster is significantly underadjusted. Usually, as the approximte proper adjustment is reached, there is enough torque on the wheel that the lever essentially just slides past the wheel when retracting. Old and tired springs can also be a factor. You can buy a replacement hardware kit for around $6.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...pe=354&PTSet=A

[ksander]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

That could be because the adjuster is significantly underadjusted. Usually, as the approximte proper adjustment is reached, there is enough torque on the wheel that the lever essentially just slides past the wheel when retracting. Old and tired springs can also be a factor. You can buy a replacement hardware kit for around $6.

I just recently serviced my drums. And the spring hardware kit is so cheap if I was going to replace the shoes I would replace all of the springs and hardware.

[AZ Jeff]

Originally Posted by drew4x4

I replaced the shoes on my 99, and can't seem to make the self adjusters work. I have had the drums off 3-4 times to fix this issue and can't find a solution. The first time the cable router was not in the hole in the rear shoe, but the spring tang was. This allowed too much slack in the cable so it would not actuate. I have this fixed and it works but when the lever swings back across the star wheel it turns it backwards and un-adjusts the jack screw. Any help would be appreciated. BTW I have had good results with drum brakes in the past, but its been over 15 years since I have worked on a vehicle with drums.

The bottom shoe retraction spring is supposed to be positioned so that it rides on the adjuster "star" wheel and provides friction to prevent the wheel from moving back when the lever retracts across the star wheel.

If your lower shoe retraction spring is NOT doing this, you either (1) have the wrong spring located there or (2) have the spring in the wrong holes on the shoe, so it's not positioned properly.

[drew4x4]

I'm sure thats the problem. I did install new hardware and I think I may have the left and right side springs transposed or attached to the wrong hole in the shoe. There also might be a chance that the hardware kit was the wrong one. I did compare the old springs to the new and as I recall they were similar. Thanks, Andy

Originally Posted by AZ Jeff

The bottom shoe retraction spring is supposed to be positioned so that it rides on the adjuster "star" wheel and provides friction to prevent the wheel from moving back when the lever retracts across the star wheel.

If your lower shoe retraction spring is NOT doing this, you either (1) have the wrong spring located there or (2) have the spring in the wrong holes on the shoe, so it's not positioned properly.

[foggybottombob]

Just to toss this in, the star wheel fits in the wheel such that when you adjust up on the star wheel from the inside of the jeep wheel (through the adjustment dust cover) that the adjustment assembly expands or pushes the shoes apart.

[drew4x4]

I went through the rear drums one more time this past weekend. My concern has been with the overall mediocre brake performance. I tow a small Bass Tracker boat and the brakes seem inadequate, the rears don't feel as if they are contributing much. I replaced the wheel cylinders and all of the hardware.

The brakes were adjusted correctly and I have not manually adjusted them since I replaced the shoes and hardware 5K miles ago. It appears that the self adjusters were working.

I did notice that both wheel cylinders were weeping slightly. I did not see any brake fluid dripping, but the seals were slightly wet and fluid was weeping past the the cups. The self adjusters did work when I pulled on the cable and did not turn the adjuster backwards. It seems that once the shoes were adjusted correctly the cable receives just a tiny bit more slack and when the adjuster is actuated it does not ride up the star wheel as far, so it does not rub it as hard on the down stroke.

I tried to reposition the bottom return spring to rub on the star wheel, but the only other hole/configuration would put too much stress on the star wheel and spring. It seems they are working correctly. I may have a slight fluid leak from the RE brake line. Its hard to tell if its gear oil or brake fluid. I took the vent screw out and used some sealer on it and cleaned the housing. I will have to keep an eye on it.

The drum brakes are more complex then disc brakes and not my preference. Although on other vehicles I have had good results with them. I need to check the fronts out one more time and take a good look at the master cylinder. I appreciate all of the replies. Thanks, Andy