How to Properly Adjust Drum Brakes for Optimal Performance and Safety on Your Vehicle

How to Adjust Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are a common braking system found in many vehicles, particularly older models and in the rear brakes of some newer cars. Proper adjustment of drum brakes is crucial for ensuring effective braking performance, improving safety, and prolonging the lifespan of brake components. In this article, we will guide you through the steps involved in adjusting drum brakes.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before we dive into the adjustment process, it's important to understand the basic components of drum brakes. The primary parts include the brake drum, brake shoes, a wheel cylinder, and various springs and adjusters. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure from the wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum, generating friction that slows down the vehicle.

Signs That Your Drum Brakes Need Adjustment

Some common signs that your drum brakes require adjustment include - The brake pedal feels low or spongy. - Uneven braking; one side of the vehicle may feel weaker than the other. - Noticeable squeaking or scraping noises during braking. - Increased stopping distance.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to adjust your drum brakes.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before beginning your adjustment, ensure you have the following tools - Hydraulic jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver - Brake cleaner - Safety goggles and gloves

1. Safety First Begin by ensuring your vehicle is parked on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and wear your safety gear to protect yourself during the adjustment.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use a hydraulic jack to lift the rear or front (depending on where the drum brakes are located) of the vehicle. Secure it with jack stands to ensure stability.

3. Remove the Wheel Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and then take off the wheel to expose the brake drum.

4. Inspecting the Brake Drum and Shoes Before adjusting, it’s crucial to inspect the condition of the brake drum and shoes. Look for any signs of wear, cracks, or contamination. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.

5. Locate the Adjuster Inside the drum assembly, you will find the brake shoes and the adjustment mechanism, which is typically a star wheel adjuster or a threaded rod. This component is responsible for expanding the shoes as they wear down.

6. Adjusting the Brakes If you are using a star wheel adjuster, insert your brake adjustment tool and turn it. Usually, turning it one direction tightens the shoes against the drum while turning it the other direction will loosen them.

- As you turn the adjuster, periodically check the clearance between the brake shoes and the drum. A good rule of thumb is to initially tighten until the shoes lightly contact the drum, then back off slightly until you can spin the drum freely with a bit of resistance.

7. Reassemble and Test After you have made the adjustments, replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower your vehicle back to the ground, then fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

8. Important Final Steps Before taking your vehicle for a drive, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the shoes against the drum. Then perform a test drive at low speeds to check for proper braking function.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance, including the adjustment of drum brakes, is essential for vehicle safety and performance. By following these steps, you can ensure that your drum brakes are properly adjusted, providing you with reliable and effective braking. If you feel uncomfortable performing this task yourself or if your brakes still do not function correctly after adjustment, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic. Safe driving!