About a year ago, I replaced the back shoes and hardware, including the wheel cylinders, on my truck. At the time, the parts store had two different price range of shoes- $102.00 and $30.00 sets. I went the cheaper route. Ever since I put them on, I have had trouble with them sticking. They are on correct- short shoes to the front, long shoes to the rear, and the adjusters, etc. are on correct. I do think that my adjusters aren't turning smooth and freely, so I may replace them. But, the shoes just stick. First thing in the morning, they stick bad, then once on the road, after being used once or twice, they behave. I pulled the drums this afternoon to look things over, and noticed that on one side, there are cracks in the lining. Nothing has fallen off/out, but they are cracked. Should I have gone with the more expensive, Wagner shoes? I wonder if the price difference isn't due to a much better shoe. Wisdom and experience is greatly appreciated.

 

The adjusters on rear brakes I have done inthe past have always been stiff to turn when removed. Add tension to them and I imagine they are even harder to turn. I always put anti-sieze compound on the threads after cleaning thoroughly. Also a little bit on the pins that the shoes pivot on is helpful.

Did you replace all the springs and retainers also? May not be a bad idea after 16 years of duty.

 

I cleaned and coated the adjusters with anti-sieze, and bought all new hardware.

I found part of my noise problem. I piece of metal came loose from inside one of the cooling fins on the passenger side front rotor, and got jammed up at the bottom, rubbing on the rotor and making an aweful noise.

 

I was also gonna say I don't skimp on brakes. I always buy the best shoes/pads I can afford. Many think the Dodge OEM pads and shoes are very good.