How are brake shoes supposed to ride on a new surface?

When the brake shoes ride on the new surface, they will follow the groove like the needle of your record player follows a track. If the groove is interrupted, the shoes snap back, hitting the backing plate.

Why does my car pull to the side when I release the brake?

Brake drag is caused by the brake pads or shoes not releasing completely when the brake pedal is released. If it involves only one of the front brake units, the vehicle will pull to the side with the dragging unit. Dragging brakes must be repaired immediately because it will result in overheated parts and possible damage to the braking system.

Can a caliper not release cause brake drag?

Just like with the master cylinder not releasing causing the brake drag, a caliper not releasing and staying applied can do the same thing. If only one position is dragging, this could be the case.

Why does my brake pedal stick when I take my foot off?

If that happens, the fluid can’t get back into the master cylinder after you take your foot off the brake pedal. The result is brake caliper stickiness. A caliper piston that doesn’t fit right in the caliper housing could cause the piston to bind under braking or with the release of the brake pedal.

When do I need to replace my rear brake shoes?

In general, if a vehicle’s parking brake doesn’t hold or the brake pedal travels to the end of its throw the rear brake shoes need to be checked for replacement. Brake fluid leaks can also be an issue as the wheel cylinder seals can leak coating the brakes shoes with brake fluid.

What to do when your front brakes won’t release?

Spray a little penetrating oil onto the cleaned piston, use the C-clamp to push the piston back into the caliper. Place the brake pads back into the caliper in the same position as they were removed. Reinstall the caliper and pads onto the spindle. Push the brake pedal while someone watches the caliper extend out against the brake pads.

How do you change the front brake line?

Remove the front brake line from the master cylinder. Insert a pressure gauge into the line opening. Push the brake pedal. If the master cylinder is working properly, the needle should go up and return to zero instantly when the pedal is released. Remove the gauge and reinstall the brake line into the master cylinder.

Where do the primary and secondary brake shoes go?

A primary shoe has a little less friction material. This shoe goes toward the front of the vehicle, and the secondary shoe that has a bit more material that faces the rear of the vehicle. Some vehicles use brake shoes with the same amount of friction material in which case it doesn’t matter how they are installed.