I'm doing the rear brakes on my truck right now with much frustration[sm=bomb.gif] I finally have the shoes and the whole assembly back together and now my drum won't go on. I've tried the adjusting screw but that doesn't seem to be doing anything. I don't know what to do???? Also this morning when i was loosening the lugs I stripped one due to my wrench braking how can i get it off????

 

P.s I also noticed my fuel gauge doesn't work properly. How can i fix it?

 

i just checked out the faq section now i know what to do about the gauge.

 

Outside what you've already checked (proper assembly and adjuster screw fully closed), some things to check when putting the drum back on are:
Wheel cylinder relaxed
Parking brake off
Make sure you have the correct shoes as there are two size brake assemblies (9" and 10").

In regards to the lug; by stripped do you mean that you rounded the shoulder off the nut?
If that's the case, there are sockets designed for rounded nuts (I believe Sears carries them. Auto part stores sometimes sell them as Emergency Lug Nut Removers) or you could try a nut splitter.

If you stripped the threads on the lug, sometimes you can refresh the threads; if not, you'll have to press/drive that one out and replace with a new one (I think that will involve pulling the axle).

Regards,
Greg

 

how do you relax? the cylinder. Also how could i check to see if i have the right size shoes? I asked the guy for 9" loudn' clear.

 

Take the lid off the master cylinder, then try compressing both ends of the wheel cylinder (by hand or with a C clamp). Check the cylinder for damage as well.
You might be able to check the part number on line.
Regards,
Greg

 

opening the master cylinder fixed my problem, Thanx for the advice. I'd probably STILL be cursing out in my garage. I'm completly inept at mechanical things but i'm gonna learn damn it!

 

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]You are welcome; glad it helped some.
Regards,
Greg