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Rear Brakes Upgrade
The front brakes on the 1968 Camaro have been completed, so 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:
The major steps in the installation of rear drum-brake componentse 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 Note for your installation.
- Note::
Servicing brakes can result in contact with asbestos. Be certain to follow proper safety Note.
- Materials:
- Drum-brake replacement kit
- Brake-tools kit -- including brake hold-down tool, brake-spring tool, etc.
- Automotive wrenches
- 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.
- 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.
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