1968 Polara drum brakes

[GOLDMYN]

Hi, rebuilds my brakes and I left the self-adjusters out, since they are difficult to install and they don't work anyway . Any reason to install them?, all R/T cars such as Charger, Coronet don't have them from the factory (as described in FSM) ? I appreciate a comment. mike

 

[Big_John]

Did you put manual adjusters with the proper spring in to replace the self-adjusters?

Looks like this:

 

[MoPar~Man]

Hi, rebuilds my brakes and I left the self-adjusters out, since they are difficult to install and they don't work anyway . Any reason to install them?, all R/T cars such as Charger, Coronet don't have them from the factory (as described in FSM) ? I appreciate a comment. mike

I don't find it hard to install all the hardware. Why do you say they don't work? Did you take the adjusters apart and clean them, grease the threads? I have seen the wire with the hook that has come in the wrong length (or at least I have a pair of new ones that are too short for some reason).

 

[GOLDMYN]

Did you put manual adjusters with the proper spring in to replace the self-adjusters?

Looks like this:
View attachment 739920

LOL, ah, No, just deleted the cable, I didn't realize there was a difference, so, the star wheel is different? would i just order adj & spring for 68 r/t ? what difference does it make for educational purpose?

 

[GOLDMYN]

I don't find it hard to install all the hardware. Why do you say they don't work? Did you take the adjusters apart and clean them, grease the threads? I have seen the wire with the hook that has come in the wrong length (or at least I have a pair of new ones that are too short for some reason).

ah, not that I can't, it was just so much easier than fighting with the wire quide always falling out, if I have to, I can reinstall, thanks

 

[Big_John]

LOL, ah, No, just deleted the cable, I didn't realize there was a difference, so, the star wheel is different? would i just order adj & spring for 68 r/t ? what difference does it make for educational purpose?

The cable pulls the adjuster lever so it keeps the adjuster wheel from spinning freely. With the manual adjusters, the spring not only pulls the shoes together, but it also keeps the adjuster wheel from spinning. So, you cant leave the lever and cable out.... The adjuster will just spin freely and the drum will either lock up or end up too far away from the drum. I think it's kind of dangerous to leave it like that.

The manual adjuster star wheel is different, being a much coarser "star".

That manual stuff is much harder to find and new self adjuster hardware is easy to find and cheap.

IMHO, the adjuster isn't that hard to install either. I'd do that.

 

[Big_John]

Here's a pic of the self adjuster lever keeping the star wheel in place.

 

[CBODY67]

Manual adjusters were also on police and HD Trailer Package cars. I concur with using the GTX/RT orientations, though, as they had 11" brakes on them, too.

CBODY67

 

[GOLDMYN]

OK, I'll take your advice, and thanks. bunch of bull work taking tires off again. @ 77 nothing that involves bending is easy LOL