This question should (or could) be titled "Primary Shoe/Secondary Shoe?" or "Choose Your Mechanic Carefully". I've just today removed my Avanti's rear drums and hubs (not as difficult as I had assumed). What greeted me came as a little bit of a surprise. The pictures in the Avanti Shop Manual under the brake section are not very good or clear. The photo in the section on the rear axle assembly is better. This photo shows the front shoe (which I've always believed to be the primary shoe) to be larger than its neighbor to the rear of the axle--larger in length of lining. This is the first time these drums have been off the axle since I bought the car and my shoes are installed the reverse of the photo--that is the larger shoe is to the rear of the axle on both sides of the car. Could this be correct and the manual wrong or was the "mechanic" who last did brake work a little less than 100 percent efficient on that day? The shoes have a considerable amount of lining left. Any problem envisioned with putting them back the correct way (as per the photo in the manual)? Also the drums measure about .330-.340" thick. The shop manual under specifications in the front appears to state that minimum thickness is .180" The brake section says that the diameter of the drum can only be increased .060" to clean up or true up. So what is the minimum thickness acceptable of these drums? Or is the maximum diameter not to exceed 11.060"? My drums are not scored and I intend to have them checked for roundness and or taper--so they MAY not need any turning. Guidance, please. And remember, choose your mechanic carefully or do the work yourself. (When I rebuilt the front brakes I found the pipe connecting the two halves of the caliper to be routed up the outside of the caliper instead of the inside as specifically stated in the shop manual). I hope to take this car (safely) to Omaha.
wagone and the R2 Avanti
wagone and the R2 Avanti
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