1996 Ford Contour can't get rear brake to compress..

You have to get the adjuster to colapse. Once removed you need to twist the screw all the way in then you should be able to get the drum on. Now as far as adjusting them from there set and release the parking brake or use a brake spoon and adjust to very light drag.

[quote:0f96839114="racefan966"]You have to get the adjuster to colapse. Once removed you need to twist the screw all the way in then you should be able to get the drum on. Now as far as adjusting them from there set and release the parking brake or use a brake spoon and adjust to very light drag.[/quote:0f96839114]
I appreciate the advice. but this doesn't have the standard wratchet type adjuster. It's one I never seen before. Operates on a spring and a type of swivel. I can retrac it from behind with a small screwdriver. It also seems to have a small bit of play. But I can't get the shoes to compact enough to slide the drum. I replaced lots of drum brake shoes but not like this.

Can you include a good pic of the adjuster? I looked and they don't seem to sell it at any parts stores so I am having a hard time trying to explain when I am blind as to what the adjuster looks like.

[quote:af20b1bd3e="racefan966"]Can you include a good pic of the adjuster? I looked and they don't seem to sell it at any parts stores so I am having a hard time trying to explain when I am blind as to what the adjuster looks like.[/quote:af20b1bd3e]
I'm sorry I don't have my camera right now to take a pic of this adjuster. I tried to find an image but to avail. But I'm going to try. You should see this. I think Ford needs to do a drug test for thier engineers. I really do thank you for your help.

They all need to however this isn't a ford really it is a mazda. I will look some more too but yea no pics I can find anywhere either. If you can send a pic that would be great otherwise I will continue to look and see if I can find anything

Found one. It's between the shoes (og course).

Ok I see it is mazda style. These are kind of a pain anyway if you look at the side that adjusts it is like a ratcheting divice. You use a screw drive and pry ightly and get it to rachted up like it is before you put it back in place so that way the shoe will goe all the way into the notch. This style readjusts by using the ebrake once the drum is on. Hope this helps

[quote:cba0c6a358="racefan966"]Ok I see it is mazda style. These are kind of a pain anyway if you look at the side that adjusts it is like a ratcheting divice. You use a screw drive and pry ightly and get it to rachted up like it is before you put it back in place so that way the shoe will goe all the way into the notch. This style readjusts by using the ebrake once the drum is on. Hope this helps[/quote:cba0c6a358]
Thank you sooo much. Too dark right now but I'll go at it again tomorrow. Again thank you.

No problem let me how it goes.

[quote:dd5bf1793f="racefan966"]No problem let me how it goes.[/quote:dd5bf1793f]
I GOT IT!! It took alot of tweeking (and a few choice words) but it's on and working. Thank you again for your support.

Great glad to hear it not sure how much help I really was I am glad its back together and working. Thanks for your support too.