Rear drum brake smoke

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by LukeLikesComets, Mar 6, 2021.

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  1. LukeLikesComets

    LukeLikesComets Member

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    Hey everybody today I finished the brakes on my comet and took it out for a joy ride, when I got home I realized there was smoke coming from the rear drum brake on the drivers side (it was fine on the right) I checked the parking brake to see if I left it on and it was off but felt loose and wouldn’t press down fully. I think I over adjusted the left drum but I’m not sure if it would cause smoke and a burning smell. So my question is does over adjusting drum brakes cause smoke and burning smells?

    Thanks -Luke
     
    LukeLikesComets, Mar 6, 2021
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  2. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    Yes, adjusted too tight will heat them up pretty quick.

    Having the star wheel adjuster installed wrong can cause the brake to tighten up while driving forward. I've done that before.
     
    Acornridgeman, Mar 6, 2021
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  3. LukeLikesComets

    LukeLikesComets Member

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    LukeLikesComets, Mar 7, 2021
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  4. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    You're welcome - I would just pull it apart and make sure every spring and part is where it should be. With drum brakes it is very easy to get something installed in the wrong place or order. I've done 100's of drum brakes over the years and I still get out the shop manual to look at the assembled picture to make sure everything is where it should be. Also, did you use new wheel cylinders? Old ones can be stiff and not retract like they should.
     
    Acornridgeman, Mar 7, 2021
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  5. LukeLikesComets

    LukeLikesComets Member

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    Will do! I used brand new wheel cylinders, springs and shoes. But I’ll redo it just to be safe. Thanks
     
    LukeLikesComets, Mar 7, 2021
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  6. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    taking a few pics before dissembling helps me remember how something was before I took it apart.
     
    71gold, Mar 7, 2021
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  7. BBMS18

    BBMS18 Member

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    That only works if the last guy put it together correctly.
     
    BBMS18, Mar 7, 2021
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  8. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    of course I was referring to a working system that just needs servicing.
     
    71gold, Mar 7, 2021
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  9. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Assuming the system is working properly as Frank stated; taking pic is good policy. I also, disassemble one side, leave other in tact until I completely finish opposite side. That seems to work for me.
     
    mojo, Mar 7, 2021
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  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    I refer to factory shop manual.

    Excepting for '70, I have all between '66 & '71. Also have '62, '74, '87, & '00 as well.

    A Motor's Manual has mucho good info.

    motorsmanual.jpg
     
    Krazy Comet, Mar 7, 2021
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  11. LukeLikesComets

    LukeLikesComets Member

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    Thanks for the help everyone!
     
    LukeLikesComets, Mar 7, 2021
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  12. LukeLikesComets

    LukeLikesComets Member

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    Is it possible the smoke could be only from the adjustment being too tight? Or is it most likely that it was put together wrong.
     
    LukeLikesComets, Mar 7, 2021
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  13. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Too tight = heat = smoke.

    Only way to know if assembly's correct is check.
     
    Krazy Comet, Mar 7, 2021
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  14. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Having shop manuals are great asset; for those not having manuals -- YouTube may work for you. I have done YouTube on occasion and was quite helpful...
     
    mojo, Mar 7, 2021
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  15. hollisj

    hollisj Member

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    Take mojo's advice. Pull both drums and compare. If they are the same back off the adjustor like acornridgeman said.
     
    hollisj, Mar 7, 2021
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