Tips for Properly Adjusting Your Drum Brake System for Optimal Performance

How to Adjust Drum Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Drum brakes are a common type of braking system found in many vehicles, especially older models and those with a rear-wheel drive design. Understanding how to adjust drum brakes is vital for maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance. Over time, drum brakes can wear down, leading to increased stopping distances or uneven braking. In this article, we’ll explore the steps necessary to adjust drum brakes effectively.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s essential to understand how drum brakes work. A drum brake system consists of a brake drum, brake shoes, a wheel cylinder, and a spring mechanism. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid flows to the wheel cylinder, forcing the brake shoes outward against the inner surface of the drum, creating friction that stops the vehicle.

Tools and Materials Needed

To adjust drum brakes, you will need the following tools and materials - Jack and jack stands - Wheel chocks - Lug wrench - Brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver - Brake cleaner - Lubricant (like brake grease) - Safety glasses and gloves

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Drum Brakes

1. Safety First

Before you start any work on your vehicle, ensure it is parked on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks to prevent any rolling. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself during the process.

2. Raise the Vehicle

Using a jack, lift the rear of the vehicle (or the front if you are adjusting front drum brakes) and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.

3. Remove the Wheels

Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts from the wheel covering the drum brake

. Remove the wheel to expose the brake drum.

4. Inspect the Brake Components

how to adjust drum brake

Before adjusting, inspect the condition of the brake shoes, drum, and other components for wear and damage. Look for signs of scoring, cracking, or significant wear that could necessitate replacement rather than adjustment.

5. Adjust the Brake Shoes

Locate the brake adjustment mechanism, usually found at the bottom of the drum assembly. This may be a star wheel or a similar component. Use a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver to turn the adjuster.

- Tightening the Shoes Turn the adjuster clockwise to expand the shoes. Keep doing this until you feel resistance when spinning the drum. - Loosening the Shoes If the shoes are too tight, turn the adjuster counterclockwise to bring them in.

6. Check Drum Movement

After adjusting, spin the drum to check its movement. It should rotate freely but with slight contact from the shoes. If it’s too tight or too loose, further adjustments may be necessary.

7. Reassemble the Components

Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, coat any moving parts with a bit of brake lubricant to prevent noise and ensure smooth operation. Reattach the brake drum and, if all looks good, put the wheel back on.

8. Lower the Vehicle

Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack and remove the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even tightening.

9. Test Drive

Once everything is back in place, take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay attention to the brake feel and effectiveness. If the brakes are still not functioning correctly, you may need to revisit the adjustment or have the system inspected by a professional.

Conclusion

Proper adjustment of drum brakes is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your vehicle's braking performance and safety. Regular maintenance and timely adjustments help ensure that your drum brakes remain effective, providing you with the confidence needed when hitting the road. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic for assistance. Keeping your braking system in check is essential for your safety and can save you money on future repairs.