The weird thing is that the AE brake shoes I got from NAPA are all the same size. I'm buying some new springs today to check, but the old ones seem pretty good.

Thanks for all the replies!

 

Ziggy, I am pretty sure that the 69 drum brake shoes had a small (primary) and a larger secondary. I don't have a 69 shop manual but you might want to check it out. The purpose of the smaller shoe is that engages first and then forces or wedges the second shoe against the drum. I am not sure what happens if they are both the same size, but my guess would be that this could be your problem.

 

Well, crow tastes good...

I had installed the shoes incorrectly, but even after fixing them, the problem persists. It sounds as if the drum isn't set correctly -- it isn't constant scraping, but a cyclical noise as if the drum were offset.

Any ideas?

 

Did you have the drums turned?

 

That is very common with new shoes. The leading edges or "toes" need to wear off first and then they will start to wear more evenly. The more you drive the more they will even out and seat properly. There is not such thing as shoes that are"perfectly" matched for your drums. Time and wear will get them pretty close.

Just remember that it may take several attempts to get it right. Drive it for a while and then adjust them. After a couple of times the scraping will sound more uniform and pedal travel will decrease. Just make sure and remember to also adjust the rears as well. I know it is pain but it sounds like you are doing the right stuff. You will get there eventually. Good Luck

 

Nope, the drums are brand new.

 

OK, yeah just drive it a few hunderd miles, then readjust them.