Rear Brakes Upgrade In this segment, the front brakes on the 1968 Camaro have been completed, so we now proceed to the rear-brakes overhaul. The rear drum-brake components used in this restoration are structurally similar to the ones that came standard on the car in the sixties -- with brake shoes, a wheel cylinder and related springs and hardware. When performing a drum-brakes overhaul, it's important to replace the springs and hardware as well. Note: Following is a summary of the major steps in the installation of rear drum-brake components as shown in the episode. This is a summary of the steps in the installation of the selected brake components on the 1968 Camaro. There may be variations in installation procedures depending on the brand and product you choose. Whether using this kit or another, follow the manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety precautions for your installation.
Safety Alert: Servicing brakes can result in contact with asbestos. Be certain to follow proper safety precautions.
Materials: Drum-brake replacement kit
Brake-tools kit -- including brake hold-down tool, brake-spring tool, etc.
Automotive wrenches
Tip: It's advisable to perform the rear-brake overhaul one side at a time -- finishing one side of the rear axle before moving to the other side. In that way, the original brake assembly can be used as a visual reference and guide for the new installation. Once the first side is properly completed, it can be used as a reference for the remaining side.
Steps:
- Remove the brake drum, and use spray lubricant to wash down the brake assembly (figure A) and remove any contaminants and asbestos. Use a pan to catch the runoff and contaminants.
- Use a hold-down tool to remove the hold-down spring, and brake-spring pliers to remove the upper return springs. Then, remove the shoe assembly (figure B).
- Carefully remove the retaining bolts that hold the old wheel cylinder in place, and disconnect the brake line.
- Install the new wheel cylinder in place of the old one, carefully lining it up with the hole, and reconnect the brake line. Tighten the brake line using a wrench (figure C), and tighten down the cylinder's retaining bolts securely.
- Note that the brake shoes are two separate lengths -- the shorter primary shoe and the longer secondary shoe (figure D). The shorter shoe is installed forward of the axle in the brake assembly, the longer goes to the rear of the axle.
- Use the brake hold-down tool to assemble the brake self-adjuster, and install the anchor plate and self-adjuster spring (figure E).
- Use the brake-spring tool to carefully install the bottom return spring (figure F).
- Tip: Brake-tools set, including hold-down tool, brake-spring tool, etc., are available as sets, and are relatively inexpensive. They are recommended to make the brake overhaul much easier.
- With the bottom return-spring in place, install the primary shoe (figure G ), and install the top return-spring (figure H), again using the brake-spring tool.
- With the installation of the hold-down and bottom star-wheel adjuster, the internal brake assembly is complete (figure I).
- With the internal assembly complete, install the new brake drum (figure J).
- This completes the rear-brake installation on one side of the axle. Repeat these steps on the other side, using the newly installed brake as a reference.
In the segment that follows, the brake master cylinder and brake lines are installed.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques
Model: 0895863758
Author: Tom Currao
Full title: Camaro Restoration Handbook: Ground-Up or Sectional Restoration Tips and Techniques for 1967 to 1981 Camaros
H.P. Books
Camaro Restoration Guide: 1967-1969 (Authentic Restoration Guides)
Model: 0760301603
Author: Jason Scott
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Original Camaro: 1967-1969 (Bay View Original Series)
Model: 0760309256
Author: Jason Scott, Andy Kraushaar
Motorbooks International (MBI Publishing)
Camaro Exposed: 1967-1969 - Designs, Decisions and the Inside View
Model: 0837608767
Author: Paul Zazarine
Bentley Publishers
Special thanks for DIY's Classic Car Restoration -- 1968 Camaro RS
East Tennessee Camaro Club
President: Harold Pena
3710 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-633-8340
E-mail: jalpeno@worldnet.att.net
Smokey Mountain F-Bodies
Website: www.smokeymountainf-bodies.cz28.com
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com
Photos provided by:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Website: www.brickyard.com
Year One
Website: www.yearone.com
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