How to Properly Adjust Your Drum Brake System for Optimal Performance and Safety

How to Adjust Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Drum brakes are a fundamental component of many vehicles, particularly in older cars and some modern models. They are known for their reliability and ability to provide strong stopping power. However, like any mechanical system, they require periodic maintenance to ensure they function properly. One crucial aspect of this maintenance is adjusting the drum brakes. In this article, we will go through the steps necessary to adjust drum brakes effectively.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the adjustment process, it is beneficial to understand how drum brakes work. Drum brakes consist of a drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that expand against the inner surface of the drum to create friction and stop the vehicle. Over time, the brake shoes wear down, which can lead to reduced braking performance and a need for adjustments to maintain optimal functionality.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials

- A jack and jack stands - A lug wrench - A brake adjustment tool (or flathead screwdriver) - Brake cleaner - Rags - Safety glasses and gloves

1. Preparation Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent any movement. It’s also advisable to wear safety glasses and gloves during the process.

2. Lift the Vehicle Using a jack, lift the rear or front of the vehicle, depending on which set of brakes you will adjust. Once elevated, secure the vehicle on jack stands to ensure it remains stable and safe.

3. Remove the Wheel Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel. Lay it aside in a safe location. If you are adjusting the rear brakes, you may also need to remove the drum.

4. Inspect the Brake System Before making adjustments, inspect the brake shoes, drums, and springs for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn components as necessary.

5. Access the Adjuster Most drum brakes have a star-wheel adjuster located between the brake shoes. It may be necessary to remove a small rubber plug on the backing plate to access it.

6. Adjust the Brake Shoes Use a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver to turn the adjuster. Turning it in one direction will expand the shoes outward, while turning it in the opposite direction will retract them. Adjust until you feel a slight drag when turning the drum by hand, but ensure the shoes do not press too tightly against the drum.

7. Reassemble the Drum and Wheel Once you've achieved the right adjustment, reattach the drum (if removed) and then put the wheel back on. Ensure all lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.

8. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Make sure everything is properly secured.

9. Test the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the shoes against the drum. After that, test the brakes at low speed to ensure they are functioning correctly. Listen for any unusual noises, which might indicate a problem.

10. Final Checks After driving for a short distance, recheck the adjustment. If the pedal feels too soft or the vehicle pulls to one side, further adjustment may be necessary.

Conclusion

Adjusting drum brakes may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can be done effectively. Regular maintenance, including periodic adjustments, will help extend the life of your braking system and ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive. If you’re not comfortable performing this maintenance yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Safety should always be your top priority when it comes to vehicle maintenance.