Hi guys,

Recently I've noticed my handbrake has been sticking on so I checked the adjuster under the handbrake, it was uneven so I de-adjusted it and then followed the rear drum adjustment and cleaning as per the how to guide on here. I pulled back the boot around my cylinder to find it full of brake fluid, I also found the spring thingy to hold the rear shoe had come off and was in drum along with another spring. I put the drum back on as I didn't have a new cylinder, as I got in the car ready to drive to work; I realised the pedal had more travel and the brake level warning light was flashing as reservoir was empty. Do I need a new cylinder and what about these springs?

Thanks

Yes you need a new cylinder (and probably worth doing both sides, as the other one may be just about to die).  To sort the springs out, compare with the good side.

 

For the uneven adjuster, in my experience you'll find that the lever - the bit the handbrake cable attaches to - inside one of the drums will be seized at the point where it hinges off the shoe. You may or may not be able to free this off satisfactorily. If not, time for replacement shoes too. 

Okay thank you, I shall set about sorting this tomorrow! Are Pagid the best brand to go for on these cylinders and shoes?

Yeah pagid are a decent replacement. Have a google for drum brakes and check out the images for a typical setup of them.

Okay thanks

I assume it's just a matter of undoing one bolt from backplate withdrawing replacing and bleeding to do the cylinder.

For the shoes I assume it's a matter of undoing those sprung retaining things and releasing attaching springs and removing, and then the reverse to replace

Yeah.

I would take a pic of the side thats all complete before you start taking parts off to refer back too when refitting.

Clean up the pipe union where it goes into the rear of cylinder, wire brush off all the crap and spray on some releasing fluid.

I would do this a day or two before you attempt to undo the union to let it work in.

Also get a pipe spanner, as these reduce the chance of rounding off the union as you can only get a open ended spanner on them. 

The wheel cylinder is held on with a 5mm allen head bolt as far as I can remember. Did mine a few months ago as cylinder was seized.

Thanks for all the help should be picking up the parts and doing it tomorrow or Tuesday!

Right I've replaced both wheel cylinders, whilst doing this I compared both sides and found where the spring should go but cannot see where it attaches at the top, I would be grateful for any help here are the pics anyway

Edited 18 February, 201412 yr by Toxicvrs

I can't see a spring that even looks like that on the diagram.

 

 

 

No. 13.

Think you can just see the very bottom of the adjuster wedge (5) in the first pic.

No. 13.

Think you can just see the very bottom of the adjuster wedge (5) in the first pic.

 

Oh, the adjuster wedge spring. It looks a bigger spring in his photo but might just be because it's enlarged.

An aerosol can of brake cleaner would be a very worthwhile investment!

Thanks it is 13. Yeah I did clean it but only after photos were taken as light became poor! How can I attach the spring to the arm as it seems to be behind the shoe!

Thanks it is 13. Yeah I did clean it but only after photos were taken as light became poor! How can I attach the spring to the arm as it seems to be behind the shoe!

 

The adjuster wedge moves. Pull it down a bit with some pointed pliers or something and that will reveal the spring hole..

Thanks it is 13. Yeah I did clean it but only after photos were taken as light became poor! How can I attach the spring to the arm as it seems to be behind the shoe!

Pull the tops of the shoes apart while pulling the wedge down with a third hand! 

 

See this thread for a better idea:

 

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/45940-felicia-favfelfaboct-drum-brakes/

Okay thanks for all your input I shall get on with this tomorrow!