how do you adjust rear drum brakes

How Do You Adjust Rear Drum Brakes?

Adjusting rear drum brakes is an essential maintenance task that can improve braking performance and extend the life of your brake components. Unlike disc brakes, drum brakes tend to wear unevenly, leading to decreased efficiency and potential safety issues. Here’s a guide to help you understand how to adjust rear drum brakes effectively.

Tools You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools

1. Jack and Jack Stands To lift the vehicle safely. 2. Wheel Chocks To prevent the vehicle from rolling. 3. Brake Adjusting Tool A specialized tool for adjusting the brakes. 4. Ratcheting Wrench or Socket Set To remove the drum if necessary. 5. Brake Cleaner To clean the components. 6. Lug Wrench For wheel removal.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparation Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface, engaging the parking brake, and placing wheel chocks on the front wheels to prevent movement.

2. Lifting the Vehicle Use the jack to elevate the rear of the vehicle, then secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels with the lug wrench.

3. Inspecting the Brake Components Take off the brake drum by removing any retaining screws and gently pulling it off. Inspect the brake shoes for wear. If they are worn down to 1/8 inch, consider replacing them.

4. Cleaning Use brake cleaner to spray away dust and debris from the brake assembly. This step is crucial for proper functioning and safety.

5. Adjusting the Brake Shoes Locate the adjuster wheel between the brake shoes. Using the brake adjusting tool, turn the adjuster. Typically, turning it upward expands the shoes, while turning it downward contracts them. Adjust until the shoes are close to the drum but can still rotate freely without dragging.

6. Reassembling Once you’ve made the adjustments, reattach the brake drum. Ensure it fits snugly and that there’s no excessive play. Replace any retaining screws if applicable.

7. Reinstalling the Wheel Place the wheel back on, hand-tightening the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground, then use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure an even fit.

8. Testing Before taking your vehicle back on the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the brakes seat correctly. Conduct a short test drive to check for proper brake function.

Conclusion

Adjusting rear drum brakes is a straightforward process that can enhance your vehicle's safety and performance. Regular maintenance, including brake adjustments, not only prolongs the lifespan of your brake components but also ensures a smoother and safer driving experience. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Safe driving starts with reliable brakes!