Emergency brake problem for a 1979 G20 van

[Route66]

Greetings all: I am a new member and I have owned this van since late 1986 and have done almost all of the work on it since, including replacing two engines myself.

My E brake is not functioning after my brake rebuild which included new power booster, master cylinder, all brake hoses, new calipers and pads, rotors, rebuilt wheel cylinders, brake shoes, self adjusters, and all drum hardware and springs.

I have tried adjusting the e brake cable adjuster but now I am wondering about brake shoe positions: my service manual is somewhat confusing (Haynes) and I need some confirmation on primary and secondary shoe positions.

Due to working outside and having to pick and choose days this winter to do the work, etc I am now unsure of what I had when I started back in December.

Right now I have the secondary or shorter shoe positioned in the rear and primary in the front on both sides, so before I go back into this work can someone tell me if I have the shoes reversed or not?

Thanks in advance,  Brent 

[bd]

Welcome to the site from Central California!

The primary shoe (short lining) mounts at the front position on both sides.  Make sure you didn't bypass or lose any of the e-brake cable guides that suspend the cable under the vehicle.  Drum brakes need to be properly adjusted with the e-brake cable completely relaxed allowing the shoes to fully seat on the anchor pin before adjusting the e-brake.  Make sure the adjuster screws are positioned on the correct sides of the axle as left and right are different, having opposing threads.

[Route66]

Thanks for the sanity check bd !! I needed that