brake problems

[jdelucia]

I have a 63 GP which I recently purchased. I went to change the brake shoes and found that the repair manual calls for the large primary shoe to be in the front and the small secondary shoe to be in the rear. the vehcile it just the opposite, the large primary in the back and secondary in front. I cehcked with NAPA, Car Quest and Auto zone and their computers show the primary as the back shoe and the secondary in front. Which is correct. I have changed the booster, removed the auto adjusters but if heay pressure is put on the brakes they do not contract and they freeze the wheels. Appreciate any help on this

[Larry]

As once said in the movies (I forget by whom) "What we have here is a failure to communicate."

Actually I think it is more of a mix-up of words... of sort.

We tend to associate words like "primary" in a positive vein... like "big." Well, in this case of brake shoes, "Primary" doesn't mean big, but instead "front" (also a "positive" sounding word). And oddly enough the "primary" shoe has the shorter lining.

I actually got quite corn-fused in your question between the use of "primary," "secondary," "large," "small,' "front," and "rear." Don't feel bad, I'm easily confused.

So, it clear it all up, here is what is said in the 1962 Pontiac Shop Manual (same as your '63 I'm sure-- it's kind of a law of nature here):

"When replacing shoes, always be certain to assemble secondary shoes to the rear and primary shoes to the front. Note that linings of primary shoes are shorter than secondary linings."

There you have it. Even though "front" is called "primary" (which makes sense), it has the smaller lining... weird, huh?

Good luck. Keep us posted on your progress.

[duncan2plus2]

Are the cylinders sticking or do they retract after the heavy pressure is applied?