51 Merc rear brake shoes help

[hoffernsp]

Having issues replacing the rear brakes on the 51 Merc. The original linings were about 2 in in width and the new Raybestos are about 2 1/4 in and I cannot get the hold down spring to compress enough to connect to the back pin. Are these the correct shoes? Are the front shoes different width than the rear?
Any advice?
Thanks

[51 MERC-CT]

Standard rear shoes are 11" x 1 3/4" - Front's are 11"x 2"


Think you have the wrong shoes.


Correct shoes are available from NAPA and other vendors.

[hoffernsp]

Thanks for the specs, I do have the wrong shoes - no wonder I'm having problems.

[19Fordy]

Here's a photo of the rear.

[hoffernsp]

Any suggestions on installing the adjuster spring. Having a problem going over the adjuster.
Here is a pic of the spring
thanks

[19Fordy]

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You will have to remove your brake shoes and start over as you can't install that spring after installing the the brake shoes on the backing plate. Make sure you have the longer shoe on the rear of the brake drum as you have Bendix brakes, not Lockheed.

Both shoes, spring and adjuster are assembled first as a single unit and then placed into position on the backing plate and at the same time fit against the top pin and inside wheel cylinder plungers. The small hold down pins with springs are then installed. Then the long retracting springs are "hooked" onto the top pin and plate..

You will find this to be very helpful if you own a Merc.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-51-Lin...a0fecc90d21352

[rotorwrench]

A good set of brake spring pliers is well worth the money when removing or installing return springs. They make the job very easy.

On brake shoes, I usually look for ones with riveted linings and materials similar to OEM. Wagner seems to still make them but I have no idea where. An FYI on brakes is that they are very similar to the early F100 pickups. The exception is the front drums. No one makes the Mercury 11-inch front drums but F100 drums can be modified to work.

Rock auto is not a bad place to look for this stuff as long as they don't mislabel the parts. I've had two problems now with them sending me problem parts. One was mislabeled and the other was missing a key component part since the bag in the box had been opened. They purchase NOS aftermarket parts and this can lead to problems if they don't check them and I can safely say that you can't trust them to check them. In any case, a person can find the part number on Rock Auto and then purchase it somewhere else.

[hoffernsp]

Thanks for the info and help. The first set of rear shoes were from Obsolete Auto in OK and were 11in x 2 1/4 wrong width. The box was labled right but the parts were wrong. Now they want $30 to return them - yikes. I'll try and sell them here.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

A good set of brake spring pliers is well worth the money when removing or installing return springs. They make the job very easy.

On brake shoes, I usually look for ones with riveted linings and materials similar to OEM. Wagner seems to still make them but I have no idea where. An FYI on brakes is that they are very similar to the early F100 pickups. The exception is the front drums. No one makes the Mercury 11-inch front drums but F100 drums can be modified to work.

Rock auto is not a bad place to look for this stuff as long as they don't mislabel the parts. I've had two problems now with them sending me problem parts. One was mislabeled and the other was missing a key component part since the bag in the box had been opened. They purchase NOS aftermarket parts and this can lead to problems if they don't check them and I can safely say that you can't trust them to check them. In any case, a person can find the part number on Rock Auto and then purchase it somewhere else.

The good part about RockAuto is they often sell older new stock which is difficult to find anywhere else. I can see where there could be issues with older stock and I am sure they don't check each box to assure it hasn't been opened or is a return with missing parts. Seriously doubt anyone would know what they were looking at if they did! All that said, so far they have been the best show around for me and I have gotten some really great deals on prices. U.S. made parts that work and fit and great prices, it's a winner for me. I can live with a few issues.

[Alaska Jim]

stay away from Obsolete auto in OK. City. my past experience was not good, and ended up costing me money, and no parts that would work. the do not know the difference between a '52-53 Merc. and a 49-51 merc. poor service