So here it is.
One of my front drums was sicking on badly and adjusting it didnt seem to help much.
So with some clever trickery, I somehow managed to get the drum off, gave it all a quick spray with brake cleaner to see if I could see any problems. It all seems ok.

But here's the issue... I cant get the drum back on.
It seems like the top shoe wont go down far enough for the drum to fit.
Is it possible for the top cylinder to get stuck out?
If so, how do I fix it?

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

If you want to bleed the system, you can always let the pressure off but the drum on, then bleed them up again.

other than that, the only time i've had a similar problem, it has only been a tiny problem, and i've been able to use the adjuster to get the drum on then get the adjustment back to the correct spot

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1975 Hairy Lime/White Clubby
Build Thread: http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80657

It is possibly a seized cylinder. If you want to check them, with drum off the offending wheel, get someone to push pedal SLOWLY and watch the cylinders. Then as soon as they move about 6-8mm, tell them to stop, then release pedal, pistons should go back in by themselves. If they don't they need overhauling or usually replacing.

As peterb said, strong chance you have siezed wheel cylinders.

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

So I had a bit of a play with it.
The cylinders do go out like you said, but the top one doesnt like going back by itself.
It doesnt seem to be seized, as I got my multi grips and pushed the cylinder in quite easily.
Once I did that, I got the drum back on easily. but after a bit , it was dragging badly again even though i hadnt pushed the brake pedal. Its like it had pushed itself back out again .

Could that mean that the return spring wasnt holding properly??

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

The wheel cylinders should return hydraulically. The springs are there to keep the shoes in contact with the wheel cylinders. They do assist slightly but its hydraulic. New front wheel cylinders are required.

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1963 Morris 850 Smoke Grey
1963 Morris 850 Shadow Blue
1965 Morris Mini Smooth Van
1966 Morris Mini Van
1969 Morris Mini Deluxe Resto
5/72 Clubman Gt

Ok. Thanks.

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

The springs are there to return the cylinders. They don't return hydraulically.
Take the springs off and see what happens.

Well now im confused. .
Which is it?

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

New cylinders aren't terribly expensive anyway. I would just replace them. as for what the correct way they return should be i.e. spring or hydraulic, no freaking clue, though i would see if it acts the same as the other side if so then maybe wait for a defining response on the above?

Leroy.

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1967 Mini Deluxe bucket of rust and mismatched parts powered by a 1360cc and a destroyed gearbox missing second gear

Yea, you're probably right. Does anyone know the part number for the cylinders I need. I assume karcraft are the best place to pick them up from in AUS?

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

i used to get mine from Warren at MR Automotive at Redcliffe, not always in stock though. . . also been a LONG time since ive purchased mini parts from him, Land Rover parts though I see him more often then I would like :S

Leroy.

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1967 Mini Deluxe bucket of rust and mismatched parts powered by a 1360cc and a destroyed gearbox missing second gear

I will probably just replace all 4 fronts If they arent too expensive.

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

Measure their bores, some are 1" and some are 15/16" bore.
I'm not sure which one is available now, but you want 4 the same.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

If I decide to replace all 4 ( which I almost certainly will) , is one size preferable over the other?
If I use a different size to what is currently there (keeping all 4 fronts the same), will it have any affect over how my rear brakes work?

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Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850