parking brake adjustment drum brakes

Understanding Parking Brake Adjustment for Drum Brakes

Parking brakes, often referred to as emergency brakes or handbrakes, play a crucial role in vehicle safety, particularly in preventing unintended vehicle movement when parked. Proper adjustment of the parking brake is essential for its effectiveness, especially in vehicles with drum brakes. In this article, we will delve into the significance of parking brake adjustment, the mechanics of drum brakes, and a guideline on how to properly adjust your parking brake.

Importance of Parking Brake Adjustment

The parking brake is designed to hold your vehicle stationary, particularly on inclines. Over time, the components of the braking system can wear down, leading to reduced effectiveness. If the parking brake is not adequately adjusted, it may not engage firmly enough to hold the vehicle in place, which could lead to accidents. Therefore, regular inspection and adjustment are vital.

Overview of Drum Brakes

Drum brakes consist of a drum, brake shoes, and a wheel cylinder. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure causes the wheel cylinder to push the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum, creating friction that slows down or stops the vehicle. The parking brake system in drum brakes typically operates using a cable that, when pulled, mechanically engages the brake shoes against the drum.

Signs You Need to Adjust Your Parking Brake

1. Insufficient Hold If your vehicle rolls slightly after you engage the parking brake, it indicates that the adjustment might be necessary. 2. Excess Cable Slack A noticeable increase in the distance the parking brake lever has to be pulled to engage the brake indicates that the cable may have stretched or needs adjusting.

3. Unusual Noises Grinding or scraping sounds when the parking brake is engaged can signal that the brake shoes are not making proper contact with the drum.

How to Adjust Your Parking Brake

parking brake adjustment drum brakes

Adjusting your parking brake can be accomplished with a few basic tools and a little mechanical know-how

. Below are step-by-step instructions

Tools Required - A jack and jack stands - A wrench set - Screwdriver - A torque wrench (if necessary)

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the regular brakes. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent movement. If you have rear drum brakes, lift the rear of the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.

Step 2 Access the Brake Assembly Remove the rear wheel, allowing access to the drum brake assembly. Verify whether your vehicle uses a traditional drum brake system where the parking brake engages the brake shoes inside the drum.

Step 3 Inspect Brake Components Before adjustment, inspect the brake shoes for wear, the drum for scoring, and the cable for fraying. If any components are significantly worn or damaged, they should be replaced.

Step 4 Locate Adjustment Mechanism Most drum brakes have an adjustment tab or screw. You will typically find this mechanism near the bottom. It allows for the brake shoes to be pushed outwards against the drum, creating a tighter fit.

Step 5 Adjust the Brake Shoes Using a screwdriver or wrench, turn the adjustment mechanism to expand the brake shoes until they barely touch the inside of the drum. Ensure they do not bind; they should move freely when the brake pedal is pressed.

Step 6 Test the Parking Brake Reassemble the drum and wheel. Test the parking brake by engaging and checking if it holds the vehicle stationary on a slight incline. If necessary, repeat the adjustment process.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and adjustment of your parking brake system with drum brakes ensure reliability and safety. Understanding how to properly adjust these brakes not only extends their life but also secures your vehicle when parked. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for specific instructions and consult with a professional mechanic if you're ever unsure about the process. Remember, a well-adjusted parking brake is a crucial component of safe vehicle operation.