How to Properly Adjust Drum Brakes

How to Properly Adjust Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are a common braking system used in many vehicles, particularly on older models and some budget-friendly cars. Proper adjustment of drum brakes is crucial for ensuring optimal braking performance, safety, and extending the lifespan of the brake components. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly adjust your drum brakes.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the adjustment process, it's essential to understand the basic components of drum brakes. A drum brake consists of a drum that rotates with the wheel, brake shoes that expand against the drum to create friction, and a wheel cylinder that pushes the shoes outward when the brake pedal is pressed. Over time, as brake shoes wear down, they need to be adjusted to maintain the correct distance from the drum.

Tools You’ll Need

To adjust drum brakes, you’ll need several tools - A jack and jack stands - A tire iron - A brake adjustment tool or screwdriver - A clean rag - Brake cleaner

Step-by-Step Adjustment Process

1. Safety First Before starting, ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and wear safety glasses.

2. Remove the Wheel Use the tire iron to loosen the lug nuts and lift the vehicle with a jack. Secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheel to access the drum brake assembly.

3. Inspect the Brake Components Check the condition of the brake shoes, drum, and springs. If any parts are worn out, consider replacing them before proceeding with the adjustment.

4. Locate the Adjuster On the backside of the brake shoes, you’ll find an adjuster wheel. This is typically a star-shaped wheel. Depending on your model, you might need to remove a rubber plug to access it.

5. Adjust the Brake Shoes Using a brake adjustment tool or a flat-head screwdriver, turn the adjuster wheel. For most models, turning it clockwise will push the shoes outward, while counterclockwise will retract them. Adjust the shoes until you feel slight resistance when rotating the drum by hand, indicating that the shoes are close to the drum without dragging.

6. Repeat for Other Side Repeat the adjustment process on the other rear wheel.

7. Reassemble Once both sides are adjusted, put the wheel back on, hand-tighten the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Finish tightening the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure even pressure.

8. Test the Brakes Before hitting the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the brake shoes properly. Test drive at low speeds to ensure the brakes are working correctly.

Conclusion

Regular adjustment and maintenance of drum brakes are vital for vehicle safety and performance. Following this guide will help you keep your braking system in optimal condition. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with adjusting your drum brakes, consult a professional for assistance. Safety should always be your top priority when working on your vehicle’s brake system.