I replaced the rear drum shoes on my 03 Tribute. They were worn down pretty far. I had a hell of a time getting the drum back on after install, and they don't spin freely, there's drag, more than I think there should be. I reset the cam all the way, and they are seated correctly. Is it a matter of just letting it wear down, or is it possible the shoes are too thick? I've attached a photo of one I removed next to the new one.

 

The adjustment to those shoes comes by loosening your e brake cable adjuster. it should be on the lower side on most Mazdas.

Good luck

 

Are you referring to the 10mm nut next to the handle between the seats? I've done that, with no result. Is it possible these just aren't the right size/too thick?

 

There are 2 parts to adjusting them.

1. Parking break adjuster on the lower part of the break shoes.
2. Upper part by where lip of the shoe attaches to the push piston on the break slave cylinder. You may need to open the bleeder screw to push the pistons in a bit and the shoe should fit just fine.