New Brake Shoe Install Question......

[bigreddaddy]

I just finished installing new axle bearings (right rear) on my 250es, putting the lever, spring, etc. back on the brake plate.
I installed the new brake shoes after filing them a little per the manual and tried sliding on the drum but it won't go on.
I have wire wheeled the drum already. Nice and smooth.

Should I just continue to file the shoes until the drum fits?
I have checked that the brake lever moves the cam which moves the shoes. Everything seems smooth.

[bigreddaddy]

Well after searching this forum AGAIN. I still haven't found if anyone has sanded down the brake shoes to fit in the drum.
I tried hitting it with a rubber mallet but ended up getting it stuck half way on. After finally getting it back off I don't want to go that route.
I have the old brake shoes but one is split in half so I couldn't use them if I wanted to.
I tried comparing them but its kind of hard to tell if they are 100% exactly the same. I guess I could take them back off and double check.
The new ones fit like they are supposed to on the plate, work right, go into the drum about half way until it hits the smaller i.d. of the drum where the shoes go.
I have wire wheeled the drum and sanded it with 80 grit. I also sanded the shoes with the 80 grit.

I know they are going to fit tight at first but I don't want to break a shoe getting the drum on or lock it up.

Ideas? Keep sanding?

[jason 32]

never heard of that
you sure they are the right pads?- good job cleaning the old brake glaze off though!
double check the adjustment -it just doesn't sound right

[bigreddaddy]

I got it on man. Thanks for your reply.

Just had to sand the shoes a little more, especially on the edges. But now I'm pretty sure I have a bent wheel as it still wobbles some, and when putting that wheel/tire on I could see the wheel is bent in the hole by the lugs.
Oh well, I have new bearings and brakes that work. Now I have to change bearings on the other rear, front wheel and front brakes and cables.

Man I love this big red. I brought it back from the dead. It's like riding a luxury car compared to the 110. And reverse works too!