Hi

I’m new to this forum, so you can imagine that I have a problem. I have just replaced the rear brake shoes on my 2006 Focus. All is well apart from the fact that I’m unable to put the drums back on.

To clarify: Handbrake is off, handbrake adjustment is wound fully off (nut next to handbrake lever) and the brake adjuster/shoes where set up on the bench, as set out in the Haynes manual.

The drums were a pig to get off but drum was spinning freely, therefore I expected that they may be a bit stiff to push back on.

I have tried all afternoon without getting the drums back on and I'm not even close, have I missed a trick?

If anyone could offer some advice, it would be appreciated.

Kind regards

Tom

got the right shoes? have you wound the auto adjuster right off? is there a lip on inside of drum?

you must have done some miles in your car, rear brakes on focus last a lifetime.

It could be the drums aren't round anymore I tend to buy new drums as they are relatively cheap but if all is correct adjusters wound down etc it should fit on easily then require adjustment....did you tighten the handbrake cable at any point it may be over adjusted or as said you have a lip on the drum

Where the auto adjuster is put a flat bladed screw driver In between it to release it fully back when I come across this problem this is what I do should find it drops them back a few mil .

Thank you all for the advice. I had set the auto adjuster to the setting shown in the Haynes manual, but will wind it back as suggested by Steads above.

Kind regards

Tom

I've had this before on a fiesta - it was because the drums were lipped. Grinding the edge of the drums back should help.

Sent from my iPad using Ford OC

I have now sorted this out.

For information: I wound back the auto adjuster quite a lot, therefore the information in the Haynes manual must be incorrect.

Thank you for your input much appreciated

Tom.

Haynes manuals I must admit have got poorer they used to be great