So, I changed from the stock 10x1 3/4 drum brakes to 11x2 1/4 last year. New everything including the backing plate. Since installation, I've had this same problem.
When I put the drum on the axle hub and then snug up the brake shoes so they just start to get drag, I can easily spin the axle with my hand. If I either tighten the drum down with lugnuts only of wheel and lugnuts, I can no longer turn the axle or tire by hand.
Things I've checked:
Axle flange runout checked out less than .003"
Axle is square to the flange
New axle bearings
Drums have been turned
Shoes sit fine depthwise into the drum. They are not touching the drum anywhere except the shoe face.
The shoes are the correct radius and fit the drums perfect.
I've used white chalk everywhere to see if there is rubbing. No witness marks other than the shoe face.
If I adjust the shoes in at the bottom so that when tightened down it does not affect turning by hand, the brakes don't do squat when the brake pedal is pressed. If I do adjust the shoes so they have the correct drag and then tighten them, I get major brake fade pretty quickly on track and the drums get super hot.
I have yet to check if the backing plate is square with the axle flange. That is the last thing I can think of to test. I've discussed this with John at ORP and he said no one else has had this problem with this larger brake kit.
I realize that due to the drugs I've had over the last 3 years, I'm limited in my ability to diagnose problems. So now, it's up to yoose guys!
When I put the drum on the axle hub and then snug up the brake shoes so they just start to get drag, I can easily spin the axle with my hand. If I either tighten the drum down with lugnuts only of wheel and lugnuts, I can no longer turn the axle or tire by hand.
Things I've checked:
Axle flange runout checked out less than .003"
Axle is square to the flange
New axle bearings
Drums have been turned
Shoes sit fine depthwise into the drum. They are not touching the drum anywhere except the shoe face.
The shoes are the correct radius and fit the drums perfect.
I've used white chalk everywhere to see if there is rubbing. No witness marks other than the shoe face.
If I adjust the shoes in at the bottom so that when tightened down it does not affect turning by hand, the brakes don't do squat when the brake pedal is pressed. If I do adjust the shoes so they have the correct drag and then tighten them, I get major brake fade pretty quickly on track and the drums get super hot.
I have yet to check if the backing plate is square with the axle flange. That is the last thing I can think of to test. I've discussed this with John at ORP and he said no one else has had this problem with this larger brake kit.
I realize that due to the drugs I've had over the last 3 years, I'm limited in my ability to diagnose problems. So now, it's up to yoose guys!
