oregano

the 94 323 i just bought came with rear drum brakes. the faq says these brakes have more stopping power than disks but mine barely work at all! I was wondering if the little adjuster lever in the brake is adjusted by applying the handbrake.

if it is, i may have quite a problem because my handbrake does not work either! i adjusted the tightness in the handbrake lever and it feels nice and tight when you apply it, but nearly does nothing to stop the car. i can still push the car with e-brake all the way up!

i was thinking that these problems may be because my drums need machining or replacing. it seems they have been greatly worn by the brake shoes.

has anyone ever had a problem like this before?

oregano

i just bought the car, i have no idea when the shoes were changed. they seem thin though, about 4mm, or 3/16" thick in the thinnest spot.

reythm

Sometime in 1992, the 323's suffered a reduction in drum diameter. Early models (90-91) have a 235mm drums. Most FAQ's have information compiled from the ProtegeTech Egroups list, where Vaughn reiterates that the 9.25" rear drums have more braking power than latter years smaller drums (obviously) and LX disc brakes. As far as modulation and heat dissipation; that's another story. The LX rear calipers are often subject to seizures and many recommend to keep a watchful eye on them. But of course, check drum thickness, shoes and flush brake fluid. Brembo drums can be had around here for $40/each. Applying the handbrake should adjust the drums, it is a self-adjusting mechanism.