I think I have a handle on it now although not a way of fixing the problem. The only remedy seems to be removing the back wheel, levering the over-tight shoes and brake plate out of the drum, re setting the adjuster and putting it all back together.
As usual, good sleuthing and analysis Phil! Rear brake overheating happened to a friend, we think due to a heavy map book sliding off his bag (which was in the passenger footwell) and resting against the handbrake lever. He also experienced the heart-stopping pedal to the floor moment. On that occasion we smelt the unmistakable odour of overheating friction material so left everything to cool down for 20 minutes or so before continuing our journey with trepidation. We didn't really understand what had happened at the time but did relocate the offending map book as a precaution. There was no reoccurance although the brake fluid was replaced fairly soon afterwards.
Incidently, I drove with a seized slave cylinder (and corresponding lack of rear braking) for quite a while without realising anything was amiss (until it was picked up at the next MOT). Therefore, I would just remind anyone who has stripped down the rear brake drum to add a smear of red 'rubber' grease around the slave cylinder pistons before reassembly. They are rather prone to rusting up, especially if driven irresponsibly.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.tm-img.com/images/2020/09/26/Ford.jpg)
