adjusting brakes question

What does the S look like on the cam? Any flat spots on them that the rollers are catching on?

 

Outboard drums/hubs I assume? The only thing that I can think of that would allow the drum to spin free and then drag is if somehow the drum isn't centering, or is out-of round. I have 2 89 petes that each have stud piloted wheels and no problems like that.

To be honest though, I never measure stroke when I adjust ours up, I just go until tight and then back off until the drum rings.

 

Inboard or outboard drums?
Out outboard drums you can put a hub piloted drum on it. None of them can center on the studs. Then look real close where the hole in the drum matches with matching areas on the hub. They can be off center a good bit,

 

Here's one that we are rebuilding. I wonder if having the brakes set when the wheels are off might skew the drum center?

 

NOOOOO.

 

Are you talking the cams or the wheels hanging up? The way I read it first I thought you were talking about the cams hanging up.

 

I have seen this kind of thing on several older trucks. Every time it’s been because the spot where the drum indexes on the hub is damaged from rust or corrosion or some sloppy mechanics that didn’t make sure the drum was on the pilot before they put the big impact to it. The last problem usually is on aluminum hubs. I have also noticed some of the drums you buy these days have such a big chamfer on the pilot bore they only engage the hub by 30 thou….which is really a problem for a less than perfect hub.

 

With stud pilot?