Front Brakes

Posted by John Payne On 2012/3/27 23:51:50

G'day Guys, I need some expert advice about the front shoe set-up for my Patrician. I have just had the drums machined and the shoes relined and am having difficulty in getting the brakes adjusted properly, even after bedding them in for a 1,000+ Km's (600 miles). They pull to the left slightly on application and I'm finding each time I adjust them I'm having to back-off 20+ clicks to get the wheels turning freely.

It has been suggested I might have put the shoes on back to front and was referred to Plate 14 in the Parts Manual. However, that diagram is inconclusive as it doesn't say whether it is a left front or right front. I have put the smaller length lining to the front (primary) as that's how I've interpreted how it should be. Also, because I thought the springs might be a problem I bought a full set from Oldtime Parts on Ebay and have fitted them, but no difference. Interestingly, these springs are all coloured orange, not like the originals which are orange and yellow, but seem a lot stronger than the old ones.

The bearings are almost new and tomorrow I propose to take the drums off and to see if I can see anything obvious. It was also suggested I make sure the new linings were tapered on each end and if not, I'll remove them and take the corners off. This is very perplexing as I didn't have any problem adjusting the old linings. By the way, the drums, and shoes were marked before reconditioning and have been refitted as removed, and the cylinders were reconditioned some time ago and new hoses fitted. Cheers, John