how to adjust e brake on drum brakes

How to Adjust the E-Brake on Drum Brakes

Adjusting the emergency brake (e-brake) on a vehicle equipped with drum brakes is an essential maintenance task that can enhance your safety and prolong the lifespan of your braking system. Over time, the e-brake cables can stretch or wear, leading to decreased effectiveness. Fortunately, this is a task you can perform at home with a few basic tools and a little know-how. Here’s how to adjust your e-brake on drum brakes step-by-step.

Tools Needed To get started, gather the following tools - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake adjusting tool or flathead screwdriver - Basic socket set - Work gloves and safety glasses

Safety First Before you begin, ensure you are parked on a flat surface and that the car is in gear (or in 'Park' for automatic transmission). Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle, and secure it with jack stands. Always prioritize your safety to avoid accidents.

Step 1 Remove the Rear Wheels Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Once they’re loosened, jack up the vehicle and remove the lug nuts completely. Remove the rear wheels to gain access to the drum brakes.

Step 2 Inspect the Brake System Before making any adjustments, take a moment to visually inspect the brake components. Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracked brake shoes or worn springs. If you notice any issues, replacing these components may be necessary before adjusting the e-brake.

Step 3 Access the Brake Drum The drum should be visible once the wheels are removed. If the drum is held in place by any retaining screws, remove them with a screwdriver. Gently tap the drum with a rubber mallet if it’s difficult to remove.

Step 4 Adjust the Brake Shoes Once the brake drum is removed, you’ll see the brake shoes inside. Locate the adjuster mechanism, a small gear or pawl in the assembly. Using a brake adjusting tool or a flathead screwdriver, rotate the adjuster to tighten the shoes. It’s advisable to turn the adjuster a few clicks and then check the clearance.

When tightening, ensure the brake shoes make light contact with the drum. You may need to spin the drum by hand to check if it turns freely after adjustment. Repeat this step until the shoes are adjusted adequately, giving just enough clearance to allow the drum to rotate without significant friction.

Step 5 Check the E-Brake Cable Locate the e-brake cable on the rear of the brake assembly. You’ll often find an adjustment nut that can be turned to either tighten or loosen the cable. By turning the nut clockwise, you can tighten the e-brake cable, while turning it counterclockwise will loosen it.

Make adjustments gradually. Pull the e-brake lever inside the car and feel for resistance. You want the e-brake to engage halfway through the lever's travel. Test the e-brake by pulling it a few times to see if it holds the vehicle in place when in gear.

Step 6 Reassemble and Test Once you’re satisfied with your adjustments, carefully reattach the brake drum and any retaining screws. Next, place the wheels back on, secure the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Once the car is back on the ground, ensure the lug nuts are tightened correctly.

After reassembling, perform a test of the e-brake. With the vehicle in gear (or 'Park'), pull the e-brake lever up. The vehicle should not roll. If it does, repeat the adjustment process until you obtain the desired tension.

Conclusion Adjusting the emergency brake on drum brakes may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a manageable task. Regular adjustments not only enhance your vehicle's safety but also optimize the functionality of your brakes. Remember to undertake this maintenance periodically and consult a professional mechanic if you encounter any unfamiliar issues. Keeping your e-brake system in good working order is critical for peace of mind while driving. Happy wrenching!