Hi all.
I'm new to the group and could use a little help.

I just replaced my rear brakes; new drums, new shoes, new components and springs. I had to force my drivers side drum to fit with the adjustment completely closed. The passenger side went on without any effort. The new system works like a dream, but I'm getting a strong smell from that drivers side drum. I can put my hand near it and feel the heat coming off of it. I don't hear any grinding or feel any sort of pull but I know there's some friction from the tight fit I had on installation. I'm hoping to figure this out before my brand new drum starts warping.

I am definitely not an expert but I'm trying to learn the ropes. Have I made some sort of rookie mistake? Why was one side a tight fit but not the other? Is there something I can do to adjust the shoes to make them fit properly?

 

Assuming you didn't install anything in the wrong direction (shoes, self adjuster, springs etc). I have encountered a similar issue last time I did drums on my truck. Drivers side didn't want to go on, passengers side slipped right on. The left side was heating up a bit fast so definitely rubbing too much. Like you, star wheel was backed all the way off.... or so I thought.

The solution for me was to simply pop the drums back off and fiddle with the self adjusters, the one I thought was all the way in actually had a couple turns left and that made all the difference. Put the drums back on and re-adjusted each wheel and problem solved.

 

I'm an idiot.

I put two "primary" shoes on one side and the two "secondary" shoes on the other.
Luckily it was an easy fix after I realized my mistake.

Thanks for the reply! Like I said.. learning the ropes..

 

well that's a new one, but at least you caught it! Did you make sure you put the shoes on the correct way this time (primary or larger shoe) facing rear? That matters too...

 

Always do 1 side at a time so that you have a reference to go by.

 

that's exactly what I was going to ask about before I read your reply. don't give it another thought. You know now, and you learned a lesson. Good job.