I have a 350 big bear. Just replaced the drum brakes. Some of the calibers where stuck, but i made sure they expanded and contracted before putting the drums on. Now iniatially when you apply the brakes you have to pump the lever several times before they work. I have bleed the air out of each side (several refills). did not help. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

did you run the adjusters up to where the shoes just barley scrubbed? They have to be pretty close due to the fact that the wheel cylinders don't have alot of travel.

 

besides adjusting the drums, take the cap off your brake fluid resivoir and make sure the rubber boot inside the bowl is pushed down. If u left that boot up it wont create the right vacuum.

 

Brakes where adj out as far as i could to get the drum on. The rubber boot had to be pushed in everytime i refilled the resevoir.

 

Keep fluid in the reservoir at all times, keep the bottom covered with fluid, don't allow to run dry. Use smooth motion when squeezing handles disconnect line from caliper, squeeze handle, don't release-reconnect to caliper-release handle.

 

Keep fluid in the reservoir at all times, keep the bottom covered with fluid, don't allow to run dry. Use smooth motion when squeezing handles disconnect line from caliper, squeeze handle, don't release-reconnect to caliper-release handle.

 

hefty why do you state to disconnect the hose then reconnect please explain bettter

 

You could have a bad master cylinder or you might need to bench bleed the master cylinder. You say "initially" you have to pump several times. Does that mean it pumps up and then the next time you need to pump it up again? When you bleed them does air come out or just fluid? If you pump them up and hold the lever does it feel firm or spongy and does it fade away if you hold it?

 

how do u bench bleed the master?