1. Lubricate Shoe Support Pads
use anti-seize compound on the 6 shoe support pads
this will reduce/eliminate brake squeal
if the pads are grooved
replace backing plate, or…
mig weld grooves then grind smooth

2. Test Emergency Brake Cables
apply & release e-brake while watching the cable move in & out of its’ housing
any “laziness” or binding = cable needs replacing

3. Service Brake Adjuster
disassemble, clean threads & lubricate with anti-seize compound
some imports use a wedge to spread the shoes apart
pay attention to the ends of the adjusters
ensure you understand how they are to be assembled
brake adjusters are side specific – don’t mix up the left & right sides!

4. Reinstall Brake Shoes place masking tape over the friction surface
use new hold down pins & springs if needed
dual-servo brakes (p ) will have unequal length brake shoes
short shoe (primary) on the front side of the axle
long shoe (secondary) on the back side of the axle

5. Install Upper Return Springs
non-servo (leading-trailing) brakes will have a solid anchor at the bottom and equal length brake shoes
replace the springs if rusted, kinked, bent

6. Drum Inspection & Reconditioning
conditions that require drum machining…

7. Drum Inspection & Reconditioning
use a drum micrometer and check for oversize
if drum is smooth and in otherwise good condition, simply deglaze the brake surface with emery paper
machine drum if it is not oversize

8. Adjusting Brake Shoes
brake shoes will self-adjust for wear during normal operation
some self-adjust when you back-up the vehicle
others self-adjust when you apply the hand brake
remove masking tape from friction material
use a brake shoe setting gauge for initial adjustment after replacing the brake shoes
manipulate the adjuster (screw type or wedge) so that the shoes will just contact the drum

11. Adjusting the E-brake
after the brake shoe-to-drum clearance has been adjusted, the e-brake cables can be adjusted if needed

12. Wheel Bearing Service
if bearings were removed, repack them with fresh wheel bearing grease & replace the grease seals
refer to chapter 34 in Halderman

13. Bleed / Flush Brake Fluid
if the hydraulic lines were disconnected or the wheel cylinder was replaced/overhauled air has to be removed from the brake system as well as flushing out the old brake fluid

14. Road Test the Vehicle ensure the pedal is high & firm
no noises or squeaks
e-brake travel is correct amount
no brake fluid leaks at the wheel cylinder, line or bleeder valve

15. In the High School
take a digital picture of the brakes before disassembly
place the pic on shop computer’s desktop for reference
have students print a diagram from Mitchell
finish one side, then start the other side
ensure you have sufficient time to complete the repairs