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1996 Ford Contour can't get rear brake to compress.

Tiny
KAGEJD
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD CONTOUR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 69,000 MILES
I replaced the both wheel cylinders and brake shoes. After going through hell of replacing the shoes with the almost impossible hardware to work with. I can't seem to get the shoes to compress enough to slide the drum back on. That (stupid design) of a brake aduster won't seem to allow enough space for the drum.
I even tried diconnecting the emergency cable to see if it was causing it. But nope.
All I can think is the problem is that d@#$ adjuster.
I matched the old shoes with the new ones at the auto store and the wheel clynders.
PLEASE, Any insight on the problem or tips? I need to get it back on the road. I'm currently driving my other car that isn't legal for the road but have to get to work.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 5:49 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
You have to get the adjuster to colapse. Once removed you need to twist the screw all the way in then you should be able to get the drum on. Now as far as adjusting them from there set and release the parking brake or use a brake spoon and adjust to very light drag.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
KAGEJD
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  • 6 POSTS
I appreciate the advice. But this doesn't have the standard wratchet type adjuster. It's one I never seen before. Operates on a spring and a type of swivel. I can retrac it from behind with a small screwdriver. It also seems to have a small bit of play. But I can't get the shoes to compact enough to slide the drum. I replaced lots of drum brake shoes but not like this.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Can you include a good pic of the adjuster? I looked and they don't seem to sell it at any parts stores so I am having a hard time trying to explain when I am blind as to what the adjuster looks like.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
KAGEJD
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I'm sorry I don't have my camera right now to take a pic of this adjuster. I tried to find an image but to avail. But I'm going to try. You should see this. I think Ford needs to do a drug test for thier engineers. I really do thank you for your help.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
They all need to however this isn't a ford really it is a mazda. I will look some more too but yea no pics I can find anywhere either. If you can send a pic that would be great otherwise I will continue to look and see if I can find anything
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
KAGEJD
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Found one. It's between the shoes (og course).


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/256611_0900823d801bd877_3.jpg

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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:53 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
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Ok I see it is mazda style. These are kind of a pain anyway if you look at the side that adjusts it is like a ratcheting divice. You use a screw drive and pry ightly and get it to rachted up like it is before you put it back in place so that way the shoe will goe all the way into the notch. This style readjusts by using the ebrake once the drum is on. Hope this helps
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
KAGEJD
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you sooo much. Too dark right now but I'll go at it again tomorrow. Again thank you.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 7:02 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
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No problem let me how it goes.
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Monday, October 20th, 2008 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
KAGEJD
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I GOT IT! It took alot of tweeking (and a few choice words) but it's on and working. Thank you again for your support.
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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
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Great glad to hear it not sure how much help I really was I am glad its back together and working. Thanks for your support too.
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Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 AT 8:16 PM

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