how to adjust new drum brakes

How to Adjust New Drum Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Drum brakes are a critical component of many vehicles, serving the essential function of slowing down and stopping the vehicle when necessary. When you install new drum brakes, it's crucial to adjust them properly to ensure optimal performance and safety. This guide will discuss the tools needed, steps for adjusting new drum brakes, and tips to keep in mind to achieve the best results.

Tools Required

Before you begin the adjustment process, make sure you have the following tools on hand

1. Jack and Jack Stands To elevate the vehicle safely. 2. Lug Wrench For loosening the wheel nuts. 3. Drum Brake Adjusting Tool Although not mandatory, this specialized tool can make the process easier. 4. Brake Cleaner To clean the components before adjustment. 5. Safety Goggles and Gloves For your protection during the process.

Steps to Adjust New Drum Brakes

1. Safety First

Park your vehicle on a flat surface and ensure that the parking brake is engaged. Then, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the wheel where you’ll be adjusting the brakes (do not remove them completely yet).

2. Lift the Vehicle

Using a jack, lift the vehicle off the ground, and then secure it with jack stands. This will give you access to the drum brakes inside the wheel.

3. Remove the Wheel

Once the vehicle is safely elevated, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

4. Inspect the Brake Components

Before making any adjustments, inspect the drum brake components, including the brake shoes, drum, and springs. Look for any signs of damage, wear, or contamination (such as brake fluid or grease). Clean the brake assembly with brake cleaner to remove dust and debris.

5. Adjusting the Brake Shoes

Locate the adjusting screw in the brake assembly. This is usually situated at the bottom of the brake shoes. Use the brake adjusting tool or a screwdriver to turn the adjusting screw. Generally, turning it clockwise will expand the brake shoes outward, while turning it counterclockwise will retract them.

- Adjust until snug The goal is to adjust the shoes until they are snug against the drum but not so tight that they bind. You should be able to rotate the drum by hand with some resistance.

6. Check Drum Rotation

After making your adjustments, spin the drum by hand. It should turn freely while still having enough contact with the brake shoes to stop efficiently when engaged. If it feels too tight or if the shoes drag against the drum, go back and retract the shoes slightly using the adjusting screw.

7. Reinstall the Wheel

Once you're satisfied with the adjustment, place the wheel back on the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

8. Lower the Vehicle

Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack stands. Once the vehicle is on the ground, torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications using the lug wrench.

Final Checks and Test Drive

Before hitting the road, take a moment to do a final inspection. Sit in the driver’s seat and press the brake pedal a few times to ensure your brakes engage correctly and that the brake warning light (if applicable) turns off.

Once everything checks out, take your vehicle for a light test drive. Pay attention to how the brakes feel—there should be smooth engagement without any unusual noise or pulling to one side. If you notice any issues, recheck your adjustments and inspect the components again.

Conclusion

Adjusting new drum brakes may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a straightforward process. Proper adjustment is vital for safe vehicle operation and can prevent premature wear on your brake components. Make it a habit to routinely check and adjust your drum brakes to ensure they function effectively and keep you safe on the road.