David Fite

So I got my brakes all done and went for a spin over the weekend. Probably went 5 miles or so. This was with 4 passengers (2 adults 2 kids). When I got home I noticed the passenger rear wheel was hot (not scorching, but hot to the touch) and I could smell something burning. No obvious wheel rubbing that I could see.

I went out again the next day by myself (thinking maybe it was a suspension issue/ wheel rubbing issue) for about 3 miles. Completely cold. Immediately took the family out for 3 more miles, came back and hot again.

I had everyone get in and watched the suspension and it looks the same on both sides, not sagging real bad or anything. I feel like either I don't have that brake adjusted, or the parking brake has an issue, or the bearing maybe? Any ideas?

I did notice after installing new drums/shoes/cylinders that my parking brake is much tighter and only pulls up half way now instead of all the way up. I assume this is good.?

ploegi

Jack up the rear, and spin the tires, does it turn hard?

David Fite

It turns, and of course the drums/shoes are (hopefully) just barely touching, so it takes a little effort. I think it turns OK, but not sure how easy it should be.

ploegi

You have posi? If not, should turn fairly easy, and you just just hear a bit of rubbing from the shoes. Could try backing that side off a bit, and see if the problem goes away....

David Fite

I don't think it's a posi. I'll try to adjust the shoes and see what it does. Soon as the rain stops.....

David Fite

I backed that side off a LOT, the drum went on without even touching. Still have the same problem after driving a couple miles. Any ideas?

Dom.M

Hydraulic flex hoses collapsed on the inside, had this same issue with an old fiat. If you're changing them do it all around. I'm assuming drums brakes also have flex lines at some point. Mine looked great from the outside but weren't. This solved the dragging issue for me.

David Fite

They all look like hard lines on the drums. Unless there's a flex somewhere under the middle of the car or up toward the front? I would assume if it's a line problem then it's just the line going from the passenger drum to the T since the driver's side is ice cold no problems?

RBob

iTrader: (1)

There is a center flex line between the frame and the axle. But I don't believe this is the issue, which only occurs when there are additional people in the car.

With the additional weight it is likely that the rear brakes are actually being used.

RBob.

David Fite

It does it regardless of how many passengers. Sorry forgot to add that. I went out by myself and same problem.

someone972

iTrader: (2)

I don't have drum brakes so just taking a shot in the dark here. Have you had the drum off and inspected it? Hydraulic cylinder's not seizing and return springs are good?

Dom.M

Id definitely replace flex line as they are almost 25 years old, I'd bet money that is the problem. I bled my brakes on the fiat several times. I assumed it was fine as fluid was coming out. Not so. DOH! Once replaced all was good. Besides good excuse to change the fluid and I'd change fronts while I'm at it.

gt4373

When You Say You Smell Something Burning Does It Smell Like Brake Lining Material,You Would Know, It has A Distinct Oder To It.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Maybe its the bearing.Seen those get hot enough to ignite.