Where did I go wrong?? d44 11" drum brake pads

So this is the first time I've had to replace drum brake pads and they aren't lining up correctly. What did I do wrong here?
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Well the tops aren't seating on the post for some reason. The tensioner springs should pull them in. Are the hung up on something?

 

no they are hooked into the holes correctly, I checked that too. they are just a stubby hook so they keep out of the way

 

Your shoes (not pads) are sitting too high.

Your brake cylinder pistons may be all the way out, and not allowing the shoes to sit properly-----notice the angle the push rod on the left is at-----it should be straight in line with the bore of the cylinder. It loks like the right push rod is also tilted up, but hard to see with the spring in the way. Make sure the pistons are seated all the way in the cylinder-------did you do a cylinder rebuild ????? These things are notorious for rusting up inside the bore, and causing the piston to stick.

Run the adjuster all the way in also.

 

it seems like the rods to the wheel cylinder pistons are holding it up... I covered everything in the wheel cylinder with brake fluid before I reinstalled them

 

I used a rebuild kit for the cylinders but kept the original cylinders

 

Check the adjuster - Clean the adjuster, then lubricate its threads with high-temp grease.

Compare the new brake shoes with the old ones and make sure they are the same width and that they have holes in all the same places.

 

compress the shoes by backing off the adjuster at the bottom, open the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder to release air, and position the shoes on top of the shoe pads on the backing plate, as the shoes are out of position.

 

New or remanufactured shoe? Make sure they were not boxed wrong. Just a thought.

 

Jim has it.

Put the return springs on last. Open the bleeder and push the cylinder pistons all the way in. Turn the adjuster all the way in so it's as short as it can be. The shoes should seat against the top post fully before you install the return springs.

Parking brake should be off. Loosen the cable adjustment if needed.

 

Check that parking brake strut too.. If your PB cable is stuck it will hold out the shoes like that too. Or if the strut (flat bar across the top) is installed incorrectly it can hold things out.

 

Thanks Jim, that did it. I went ahead and replace the wheel cylinder too while I was at it.

 

Just to be sure, you did hone the wheel cylinders, right. Never mind, see you replaced it. Had to pull a midshift last night. Please forgive.