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So today I changed the rear discs and pads, did everything correctly according to my knowledge, but I'm not sure about the drumbrakes for the handbrake. The problem is, after assembling everything back together the car won't move a meter as it behaves like the handbrake is pulled on even tough it isn't. Is there something I need to readjust?
The discs were extremely worn out as seen on the picture below, so it would make sense to me if I need to readjust something.
Another status update: Still isn't working.. Help.. The handbrake seems to be stuck no matter what I do. Car won't move a metre. Maybe I also adjusted it wrong, I really don't know..
Sounds like you could be doing it wrong or have the wrong shoes.
How many turns have you moved the adjuster at the back of the disc plate?
Is there any slack in the cable when the handbrake is off?
How many clicks on the handbrake are you getting when you put it on?
The link JDM stig has posted has very clear instructions so you can go too far wrong tbh.
Handbrake is released, I still have the old shoes... tried adjusting it but with the disc not on it isn't easy. The discs were easy to put on so it is not like that the shoe is blocking. I don't know what could be wrong... I'm thinking about something with the differential but I don't know what could've been done wrong while changing brake discs and pads
Yeah I was on it again and saw it.. Adjusted it, the left rear wheel is moving now, quite hard to, but it is moving freely. But something is completely blocking the right rear wheel. It moves for about 5-10° in each direction and then you can't move it. Like the car is in a gear or something. But it isn't... Before I started with the brakes the car was completely fine. I just don't understand it... Is the differential maybe blocking something? Notice that I only jack up one wheel at a time. I really don't know anymore..
Yeah I was on it again and saw it.. Adjusted it, the left rear wheel is moving now, quite hard to, but it is moving freely. But something is completely blocking the right rear wheel. It moves for about 5-10° in each direction and then you can't move it. Like the car is in a gear or something. But it isn't... Before I started with the brakes the car was completely fine. I just don't understand it... Is the differential maybe blocking something? Notice that I only jack up one wheel at a time. I really don't know anymore..
Surely you are not putting enough force to make the diff break away if only lifting one wheel? Have you actually tried driving it?
Don't mean to sound harsh but,if you can't get it right by following easy step by step instructions then get it to a mechanic to sort,messing with brakes is dangerous to you and other road users.
Don't mean to sound harsh but,if you can't get it right by following easy step by step instructions then get it to a mechanic to sort,messing with brakes is dangerous to you and other road users.
Guys, i have changed brakes of the other cars to but never of an all wheel drive subaru. So if I understand it right, when only one wheel is liftes you won't be able to spin the other one? And yes I tried driving it, and it feels like the handbrake is pulled on, which of course isn't. And sorry to say about the step by step thing, i really tried adjusting it on the shoes but I just couldn't get it right... and changing discs and pads wasn't a bit of a problem. Good thing is I know someone who worked at a garage where they specialized in Subarus, so hopefully he'll help me.
Edit: Also fyi I adjusted the shoes on the right rear to the max in both directions just to see if it makes any difference... And sadly it doesn't really... But it's so strange never had that before on a car. I mean with changing brakes and discs I can't break anything the only thing I'm not completely sure about is if I'm even able to spin the wheel when only one is lifted because of the AWD. But I should be able to, shouldn't I?
Last edited by colinLWRX; Sep 18, 2016 at 09:54 PM.
Id be tempted to start again.... jack up the rear so both wheel are of the ground.
Id also check you have the correct size brake shoe (measure / compare with old one)
Also use a new fitting kit if not already
I'll maybe try to jack up the complete rear end these days... The brake shoes of the handbrake are the old ones. Didn't really think of replacing them. But they're not that worn out... I'll report when I'm done and what happens
no nothing to do with the shoes but the actual backing plate they are held to.............
if you look at the disc from the back there is a protruding ring that makes up the h/brake drum........this will be pushed hard inwards towards the centre of the car and jam
to confirm jack the car up and slacken the wheel nuts so there is no pressure and it will likely move - then gradually tighten the wheel on and it will jam again
Ahhhh now I understand, and yes that is exactly the problem. I jacked the car up and loosened the nuts and the wheels were spinning, as soon as I really tighten them up theres no way to get the wheels spinning..
So you suggest chaning the backing plates?
easiest and cheapest is to simply modify the sealing lip on the back of the disc to allow clearance.........
Yeah will do that later.. But for the future is it possible to buy that backplate anywhere or will I need to look for a scrapped Impreza? Thing is I don't really know how that part is called so if you know it and could send me a link it would be very nice