Brake squeal blues

[jeepman42]

Loud brake squeal last 2 wks forward or back on rear. L drum off showed crack on rear(secondary) pad. Purchased new pads & found shop who still turns drums. Installed pads & road tested. Things I learned. 1 Prof mechanic had installed both short pads on right & both long pads on left. this long pad cracked & should have been a short one. IE always pay attention to details.2Glad I did not ignore problem. 3 Buy set of springs ($10) as I broke primary(front) spring & had to make xtra trip to replace. 4 A#2phillips works well get springs back on(v carefully). lube screwdriver shaft. my reg remover/replacer tool had too large a dia. 5 Harder to do than I remember(10-12 yr ago). 6 Tires seem heavier every time I handle.LOL

[jeepman42]

update brake squeal blues

road test last pm ok? Today backs ok, forward not so much.repeat same result.(ie-insanity)? remove left drum-actuator spring loose. correct lever spring replace drum & wheel-same result. remove rt drum with difficulty-finally closed adjuster screw enough to remove. Remembered it went on w rubber hammer. Mostly removed components & reassembled. drum will not go on Tapped ,pushed ,shoved-still will not go on.Looked as if emergency brake lever could move back,diameter of shoes could be reduced. Loosened rt parking brake cable behind tranny. able to put on drum w hand pressure . Replace wheel. road test ok forward&back ok-atleast for today. Things learned 1drum should never be forced on. 2 follow previous advice-pay attention to details. 3 Murphy is smarter than I

[ShagWagon]

Adjust the brakes all the way out tight until the drum won’t turn anymore. Then back them off a little till it spins freely.

[jeepman42]

[QUOTE=ShagWagon]Adjust the brakes all the way out tight until the drum won

[jeepman42]

brake adj.

will follow your advice as still issue. had to knock out slots in brake plates as they had never been removed!!?? Thanks, Charles

[babywag]

If you have a limited slip/locker adjusting brakes is easiest to do one wheel @ time with drum on opposite side removed.
That way you're not "feeling" drag from other side.
If there is a lip on drums get them resurfaced $20(local here) well spent.

Make sure parking brake cables are working properly and fully releasing every time.
If they stick need to lube or replace.