how to adjust drum brakes after replacing

How to Adjust Drum Brakes After Replacing Them

Drum brakes are a crucial component of many vehicles, providing reliable stopping power through friction. When replacing drum brakes, it's essential to ensure they are correctly adjusted for optimal performance and safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to adjust drum brakes after replacement.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the adjustment process, it's essential to understand how drum brakes function. Unlike disc brakes, which use friction pads on a rotor, drum brakes consist of a brake drum and brake shoes. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid activates the wheel cylinder, pushing the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum, creating friction that slows down the vehicle.

New brake shoes may have slightly different dimensions than the original ones, leading to the necessity for adjustment. Properly adjusted drum brakes will improve braking efficiency, prolong the lifespan of the components, and enhance safety.

Tools Required

Before you begin, gather the following tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake adjustment tool (or a flat-head screwdriver) - Torque wrench - Safety goggles and gloves

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels remaining on the ground to prevent rolling.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts slightly (do not remove them completely). Then, lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the drum.

3. Inspect the Brake Assembly Before adjusting, take a moment to visually inspect your brake assembly for any signs of improper installation, such as loose connections, worn components, or debris inside the drum.

4. Locate the Adjuster Inside the drum assembly, you’ll find an adjustment mechanism, usually located between the brake shoes. In most systems, this is either a star wheel adjuster or a cable mechanism.

5. Manually Adjust the Brake Shoes - Star Wheel Adjuster If your drum brakes have a star wheel adjuster, use a brake adjustment tool or flat-head screwdriver to turn the wheel. Turning it in one direction will spread the shoes further apart, while turning in the opposite direction will bring them closer together. Adjust the shoes until there is slight resistance when rotating the drum by hand but not so tight that it binds. - Cable Mechanism If a cable-adjusted system is in place, pull the cable to increase tension and adjust the shoes accordingly. Always refer to your vehicle's manual for specifics on how tight the cable should be.

6. Check Drum Rotation After adjusting the shoes, spin the drum by hand. There should be a slight drag, indicating the shoes are making contact. If the drum spins freely, readjust the mechanism to tighten the shoes.

7. Reassemble the Drum Once you have achieved the desired adjustment, carefully reattach the brake drum. Ensure that the brake drum slides smoothly over the shoes without excessive friction.

8. Put Everything Back Together Replace the wheel, tightening the lug nuts by hand temporarily. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands and onto the ground. Finally, use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings.

9. Test Drive Before taking your vehicle on the road, conduct a slow-speed test drive in a safe area. Apply the brakes several times to allow the brake shoes to seat properly. Listen for any unusual sounds and ensure that the brakes feel firm and responsive.

Conclusion

Adjusting drum brakes after replacement is a vital step in ensuring your vehicle's safety and performance. Properly adjusted brakes ensure even wear on brake components, maintain efficiency, and enhance your vehicle's overall braking capability. If you're unsure about any step in the process or if the brakes do not seem to function correctly after adjustment, it's advisable to consult with a professional mechanic. Regular maintenance of your braking system is also crucial, as it directly impacts your safety on the road.