Guide to Adjusting and Releasing Tension on Drum Brake Systems

How to Back Off Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are a crucial component of many vehicles, providing effective stopping power when engaged. However, just like any mechanical system, they require maintenance and occasional adjustments to ensure they function optimally. One common maintenance task is backing off the drum brakes, which involves adjusting the brake shoes to prevent dragging against the drum. This can improve vehicle performance and extend the life of your braking system. Here’s a guide on how to effectively back off drum brakes.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s vital to understand how drum brakes work. Drum brakes consist of a hollow drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum to create friction. Over time, the brake shoes can wear down, and the adjustment mechanism may need attention to maintain proper clearance between the shoes and drum.

Tools You’ll Need

To back off your drum brakes, you'll need the following tools - A jack and jack stands - A lug wrench - A brake adjustment tool (or a flathead screwdriver) - A flashlight - Safety goggles and gloves

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Safety First Before starting, ensure you wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from debris and sharp edges. Also, park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Loosen Wheel Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where you will be adjusting the drum brakes. Do not remove them completely at this stage.

3. Lift the Vehicle Using the jack, lift the vehicle off the ground and secure it with jack stands. Make sure it is stable before proceeding.

4. Remove the Wheel After raising the vehicle, fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly.

5. Inspect the Drum and Shoes With the wheel removed, take a moment to visually inspect the drum and brake shoes for wear. If the shoes are significantly worn, it might be time for replacement rather than adjustment.

6. Locate the Adjuster Look for the adjusting mechanism, which is generally located at the bottom of the drum brake assembly. In many designs, this is a gear-like mechanism that can be turned to adjust the position of the brake shoes.

7. Back Off the Shoes Using a brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver, turn the adjuster to back off the brake shoes. This is typically done by turning it in the direction indicated (often counterclockwise). You should hear a clicking sound, which signifies the shoes are moving away from the drum.

8. Check the Adjustment Rotate the drum by hand to ensure it can spin freely without dragging. If there’s still resistance, repeat the adjustment process until you achieve the desired clearance.

9. Reassemble Once adjusted, carefully reattach the drum and wheel. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern for even distribution. Lower the vehicle back to the ground.

10. Test Drive After completing the adjustment, take your vehicle for a short test drive. Pay attention to the braking performance to ensure everything feels right.

Conclusion

Backing off drum brakes is a straightforward maintenance task that can enhance your vehicle's safety and performance. By following these steps, you can ensure your drum brake system functions smoothly and reliably. If you encounter any issues during the process or if the brakes continue to drag after adjustment, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic. Regular maintenance of your braking system is crucial to ensure your safety on the road.