Vehicle: 2002 Dodge Caravan SE (3.3L, V6)

I'm trying to replace my rear drum shoes by following the Service Guide however i am unable to reinstall the drum since the new shows are scraping against / preventing install. The service manual states:

---

(12) When all components of both rear brake assemblies are correctly and fully installed, remove the locking pliers from the front park brake cable.

(13) Adjust brake shoes assemblies so as not to interfere with brake drum installation.

(14) Install the rear brake drums on the hubs.

(15) Adjust rear brake shoes.

(16) Install the wheel and tire assembly.

------

Besides trying to slide the fully connected shoes up or down a few millimeters I have no clue what it means by adjust the brake shoes. Again my issue is i cant slip the drum over top since the new shoes appear to extend too far outward (well, enuf to scrape heavily against the drum inner surface). Is there a way, without causing damage, to press the shoes closer inward?

From what i can see the shoes are currently resting properly against the support plate.

Thanks

 

There is a adjustment part on the bottom of the brake shoes center has a serrated round part that moves in and out to adjust the shoes by turning it in it will give you the clearence you need to install new shoes then readjust out from slot on inside of drum and dust shield .I use a flathead screwdriver

 

Sorry cant remember what adjustment part is called hope it helps

 

There is a lever that goes across that is just above the hub. It makes contact with a wheel that is what you spin to make the pads go closer together or farther apart. It is called the auto adjuster.

 

Much appreciated for the help!

I tried to adjust this serrated wheel:



I adjusted it so that there was lots of room for the shoes to come in however it seems they didnt move much, though the drum was able to slip on a little bit better. As it stands it's as if the tips of the shoes are bumping up against their respective areas and cant go inward any further. Is it possible to compress the wheel cylinder (at the top tip of each shoe) to allow the shoes to push in more?

For the record here are photos of the new install and old parts (before the install). Oddly enough the old parts did not have a 'tension clip' that hangs over the upper spring and the adjuster assembly. I'm assuming it is unimportant since the previous install didnt have it.

NEW









OLD

 

Mightbe a stupid question but parking brake off?

 

ok two things. first. check and make sure the top of the shoe is lined up with the groove in the cylinder piston. then adjust the adjust all the way in until after the drum is on then adjust back out with a flat screw driver.

second thing. try pulling out slightly on the shoes well moving them up and down getting everything room to settle. iv found in my years of doing brake work some times the pads dont quite settle right.

lastly try running sand paper over the edges of the pads sometimes there a little too thick from the factory. common with cheap pads as well.

good luck.

 

I would replace the brake hardware along with the adjusters. They look very rusty. And maybe the wheel cylinders too.

 

All the photo's you posted appear to show the rear shoe kicked toward the right (rear of the vehicle). This could be because the pistons are not centered in the cylinder.

Try closing the gap between the rear shoe and the fork. If you cannot, the rear piston is stuck or the parking brake is interfering. If the piston is stuck, replace the cylinder. If the parking brake cable is frozen, replace it.

Your old shoes appear to be in decent shape. What made you decide to replace them?

What does your drum look like? If you have a large ridge on the lip, you may need to knock it down with a grinder. Make sure to use a respirator.

That's about the worst rust I've seen on a rear drum. Check the rubber access plugs on the back side of the backing plate (for the self adjuster) to make sure they are intact.

 

Wow, good call in spotting the off center wheel cylinder piston from my earlier poor photos. It never occurred to me even while looking at the device directly.

Here are photos of my wheel cylinder:








In the latest photos above I'm guessing from the liquid on the leading / front side the wheel cylinder needs replacing?

The original reason for me replacing my brakes shoes is bc on a couple of occasions we'd hear this awful grinding noise from the rear. I took it to mean it was time for new shoes and so without looking i ordered the new shoes only to discover the old ones seemed acceptable. I have not checked out the right side yet tho. From the photos perhaps the issue was bad wheel cylinders?

One more thing. Is it necessary that i install a tension clip which attaches the upper return spring to the automatic adjuster assembly? The left rear drum assembly was missing this piece. I would have to order a completely new self adjusting kit just to get the clip. I will have to assume the other side drum is the same.

Oh and for the record here are shots of my left drum:






Everyone, MUCH APPRECIATED for the assistance. Invaluable!