Brake Issues

Trafficflow

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Jul 5, 2026
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Hello everyone. I need help. I have a 1999 TJ and I am doing the brakes When I replaced the rear drum brakes I have 2 issues. Not sure if they are related. When I put the brakes back together the cable that run to the self adjuster appears to be to long. It will not hold the adjuster with tension against the star wheel. It appears to be to long and I threw the old ones away so I can not compare them. I have it installed correctly I think. Can I shorten the cable?? Is this possible?

The second problem is more serious. It appears that the drivers side brake is not fully releasing. I replaced the cylinder and I am having the same issue. It pops and releases. I don't think it is stuck out all the time as I would feel it. I have did research on the net and found that maybe the rubber hose section that runs to the block might be old and not allowing the pressure to release.

I am a novice mechanic and only know so much. Any info would be a big help. Thanks
 
@hosejockey61 aka BFH Garage on YouTube has a really good video on rebuilding drum brakes, can't pull it up at the moment. You could use that to verify that all the springs are set up correctly.

Yes, the rubber hose could be collapsed, that's a good thing to check.
 
Hello everyone. I need help. I have a 1999 TJ and I am doing the brakes When I replaced the rear drum brakes I have 2 issues. Not sure if they are related. When I put the brakes back together the cable that run to the self adjuster appears to be to long. It will not hold the adjuster with tension against the star wheel. It appears to be to long and I threw the old ones away so I can not compare them. I have it installed correctly I think. Can I shorten the cable?? Is this possible?

The second problem is more serious. It appears that the drivers side brake is not fully releasing. I replaced the cylinder and I am having the same issue. It pops and releases. I don't think it is stuck out all the time as I would feel it. I have did research on the net and found that maybe the rubber hose section that runs to the block might be old and not allowing the pressure to release.

I am a novice mechanic and only know so much. Any info would be a big help. Thanks

Pictures for the group would certainly help.
 
If the cable seems too long it could be that the dimple on the rear of the guide plate isn't sat in the hole in the brake shoe properly.
 
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If the cable seems too long it could be that the dimple on the rear of the guide plate isn't sat in the hole in the brake shoe properly.

When I take it apart tomorrow I will check that. I am pretty sure it was. After putting it in place the top spring held it in. The eyelet on the cable is large and if I move the top eyelet of the cable over as far it bring the adjuster up closer but still it does not hit the star wheel but does not hit the drum. I looked at the pictures i took before I took it apart and the plate did not hit the wheel. I will have pictures tomorrow. Thanks
 
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If the cable seems too long it could be that the dimple on the rear of the guide plate isn't sat in the hole in the brake shoe properly.

I know I'm about a week late on this. I just ran into this same issue. Yes, the guide plate isn't set inside the hole properly. It can be challenging to get is set in place, but it's gotta stay in place.
 
I know I'm about a week late on this. I just ran into this same issue. Yes, the guide plate isn't set inside the hole properly. It can be challenging to get is set in place, but it's gotta stay in place.

I understand. I had family medical issue and had to put on the side. I will be back at it soon.I had the piece in the hole with the spring. It looked like there was just one hole to attach it to the shoe. I will be back on it soon and post pics and look at what you describing.Thanks
 
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I understand. I had family medical issue and had to put on the side. I will be back at it soon.I had the piece in the hole with the spring. It looked like there was just one hole to attach it to the shoe. I will be back on it soon and post pics and look at what you describing.Thanks

I actually had to put the other to big springs on first and cable spring last. It was the only way for me to get it seated. Maybe if you had a "third" hand who could hold the plate in place.
 
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I actually had to put the other to big springs on first and cable spring last. It was the only way for me to get it seated. Maybe if you had a "third" hand who could hold the plate in place.
Any input about the possibility of the hose being blocked. Did you change yours?
 
Any input about the possibility of the hose being blocked. Did you change yours?

I just.looked at the bracket and it has just one hole. I am thinking about cutting the eyelet off and shorten the cable a little. I have a good crimper that for the new eyelet. If I move the eyelet so the cable is tight it will work. But it will move back over
 
Hi, sorry I don’t want to spoil your post. I can’t help you with the breaking thing but I want to ask you if it’s OK for you where did you bought that side steps , they look awesome!
 
Hi, sorry I don’t want to spoil your post. I can’t help you with the breaking thing but I want to ask you if it’s OK for you where did you bought that side steps , they look awesome!

No Problem. When I bought the jeep they came with it. I looked around on the net and could not find them any where