> JBOT Admin Wrote:
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>
> 7. Engage the brake when tightening the axle to center the whole shebang
>
^this makes a huge difference, and works on the same principal that self adjusting drum brakes on cars do. The center holes on brake plates are usually a loose fit, and therefore the pads are never truly concentric with the brake drum if you just slap them on. By engaging the brakes while you tighten down the axle nuts (or the nut that secures the brake plate on some models), you ensure that the pads are set in a position where they have as much contact as possible with the drum. The smallest amount of play between the center hole on the brake plate and the axle is all it takes to severely weaken braking power.
Its worth noting that new brake shoes aren't always the perfect shape to mach the radius of the brake drum, so they may need to wear in for a bit before you really notice a difference. If it takes a while, you might want to check the brake shoes again and lightly sand down the high spots, and reassemble the same way.
Also, wear a respirator when grinding/sanding brake shoes, and don't sipe/grind old brake shoes that may have asbestos