Hydraulic drum brake issues

[mr300z87]

Since the weather in NJ has been so nice I have started my pre boating season maintenance including checking a re packing the trailer bearings. All was going well until I got to the right side brake axle where I found a leaking wheel cylinder. I figured no big deal went to my local part dealer and got what looks like a standard 10" or 12" wheel cylinder like this http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Titan/T0977600.html . This is like the system I am working with http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brakes/Titan/T4071500.html

So here is where I ran in to trouble. Installed the new cylinder (it matched the old one) re packed bearings installed new seal cleaned brakes and went to install the drum. Once I snug up the nut the drum is spins very very stiff forward (can barely spin it the wheel) I can feel the brake dragging. I figured this could not be right took it apart and re assembled like 10 time adjusted all the way in still no luck I even swapped the original push rod. Stared at it and said a lot of bad words. This made me feel better but did not help. LOL. It does seem to spin freely in reverse. This is the first trailer I have owned with brakes but have worked on drum systems before.Could the new cylinder be slightly longer than the old one which is not allowing the forward shoe to retract far enough. I have not bled the system yet but do not think that is going to make a difference. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Mike

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Hydraulic drum brake issues

After you put it all back together, apply the brakes, HARD!
Spin the tire and apply the brakes a few times.
Untill all the parts find their proper places and center up, they may be dragging anywhere.

Also, If there is air in the lines, they may not retract all the way.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Hydraulic drum brake issues

I have expierienced drum drag when instaling new brake shoes numerous times. After a trip around the block everything seated ok. I was not sure if you replaced the brake shoes. I recomend bleeding the brakes and backing off the adjusters. The shoes will often seat themself after running a bit. I then jack each wheel and see if it spins freely.

 

[mr300z87]

Re: Hydraulic drum brake issues

Thanks for the responses. kmarine I did not change the shoes only the wheel cylinder, but I had to remove the assembly from the axle and the shoes. Going to bleed the system tonight after work and take for a test ride and go from there.