I’m not the most mechanically savvy dude, but I try to do the work myself. That being said, a few questions. First, I’m not sure if there should be gear oil inside the brake drum? When I pulled the brake assembly cover off (forgot to drain the gear oil) it poured out. It smelled horrible too btw. Anway I cleaned the cover and assembly and put the new shoes on. When I move the actuator with my hand, before reassembly, it appears to function as it should. I checked the bearing and it seems fine. I also put a new rubber seal around the cover. When I reassembled, I noticed the axle is extremely tight. I can turn it with some force, but it’s definitely not easy like I assume it should be. Another issue is that the actuator lever where the cables connect is now pretty much stuck tight, will not move by hand. At first I thought the shoes were the wrong size. I ordered from partzilla. Almost like they’re too thick. But I doubt that’s the issue.

Before I start tearing it back apart I wanted to see if some of the experts here could tell me what I may have done wrong. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I’m not the most mechanically savvy dude, but I try to do the work myself. That being said, a few questions. First, I’m not sure if there should be gear oil inside the brake drum? When I pulled the brake assembly cover off (forgot to drain the gear oil) it poured out. It smelled horrible too btw. Anway I cleaned the cover and assembly and put the new shoes on. When I move the actuator with my hand, before reassembly, it appears to function as it should. I checked the bearing and it seems fine. I also put a new rubber seal around the cover. When I reassembled, I noticed the axle is extremely tight. I can turn it with some force, but it’s definitely not easy like I assume it should be. Another issue is that the actuator lever where the cables connect is now pretty much stuck tight, will not move by hand. At first I thought the shoes were the wrong size. I ordered from partzilla. Almost like they’re too thick. But I doubt that’s the issue.

Before I start tearing it back apart I wanted to see if some of the experts here could tell me what I may have done wrong. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.