We all worked today, so car funtimes started after dinner.
Since we’re still waiting on a replacement shoe kit, we decided to brake down the left rear brake, too, so that we will be ready tomorrow to reassemble them both.
In the process the mystifying “self-adjusting tensioner” adjuster post broke as I pulled it out, so now I’m on yet another quest to source a part in less than 24 hours.
Thankfully, AutoZone in Broken Arrow has one. Drum brakes are needlessly complicated and I assume tomorrow’s reassembly will take until Valentine’s Day.
Then Evan was determined to test the vacuum system for leaks — by lightly pressurizing the vacuum lines with smoke and looking for leaks. The vacuum system is fed from the air intake, so if the only smoke coming out is coming from the airbox, you pass! Even if it does look quite alarming. And the truck passed! I am so deeply proud.
After that, we swapped out the front brake flex hoses since they’re looking a little old and arthritic. That sets us up to be able to bleed the brake system after rebuilding the drums in the back, and I’ll have a much healthier brake system all-over.
Tomorrow, I’ll pick up that stupid post from AutoZone in North Dallas Broken Arrow and the new shoe kit will arrive, along with a replacement set of door speakers. I’m looking forward to wrapping up these big jobs — so far it seems like we’ve destroyed a lot of stuff but have a lot of rebuilding left before the truck can leave the bay under its own power (or more to the point, stop).
