how do you adjust rear drum brakes

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

Rear drum brakes are a critical component of a vehicle’s braking system, often overlooked during maintenance. Unlike disc brakes, which are more common in newer vehicles, drum brakes require periodic adjustments to ensure proper function and safety. This article provides a straightforward guide on how to adjust rear drum brakes effectively.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the adjustment process, it's essential to understand how rear drum brakes work. These brakes use a drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum to create friction and slow the vehicle. Over time, as the brake shoes wear down, they can lead to a decrease in braking performance and increased stopping distances. Adjusting the brakes restores their efficiency.

When to Adjust the Brakes

Routine inspection of your drum brakes should be conducted regularly, ideally every 10,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle’s owner manual. If you notice symptoms like unusual noises when braking, a hard pedal, or if the brake warning light illuminates, it's likely time to check and adjust your rear drum brakes.

Tools You Will Need

Before starting, gather the following tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake adjusting tool or screwdriver - Safety gloves and goggles - Brake cleaner (optional)

1. Prepare the Vehicle Park the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels to access the drum brakes.

2. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjustment, visually inspect the brake shoes, drums, and springs for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn parts before proceeding.

3. Locate the Adjuster Inside the drum, you will find a brake adjuster, which is typically a star wheel mechanism. This is what you will adjust to increase or decrease the distance between the brake shoes and the drum.

4. Adjust the Brake Shoes Using a brake adjusting tool or a flat screwdriver, rotate the star wheel. Turning it up will expand the shoes, while turning it down will retract them. Make small adjustments—usually a couple of clicks at a time—until the brake shoes lightly contact the drum when you spin it.

5. Check the Drum Movement After adjusting, spin the drum by hand. You should feel slight resistance, but it should not bind. If the shoes are too tight, you can retract them slightly to ensure smooth drum rotation.

6. Reassemble and Test Once satisfied with the adjustment, reattach the drum, wheels, and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground. Start the vehicle and gently press the brake pedal a few times to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

7. Test Drive Finally, take the vehicle for a short drive at lower speeds to test the braking performance. Listen for any unusual noises and feel for proper braking response.

Conclusion

Adjusting rear drum brakes is a straightforward task that can significantly improve your vehicle's braking performance and safety. Regular maintenance and timely adjustments can prolong the life of your brake components and enhance overall driving safety. If you're uncertain at any point, it's best to consult with a professional mechanic to ensure that your braking system functions optimally.