how to adjust e brake on drum brakes

How to Adjust the E-Brake on Drum Brakes

Adjusting the emergency brake (commonly referred to as the e-brake or parking brake) on drum brakes is an essential maintenance task that can enhance your vehicle's safety and performance. A properly functioning e-brake ensures your car stays stationary when parked, particularly on inclines. This guide will walk you through the steps to properly adjust your e-brake on drum brakes.

Understanding Drum Brakes and E-Brakes

Drum brakes operate differently from disc brakes. They consist of a cylindrical drum that encases the braking components, which are activated when the brake pedal is pressed. The e-brake, however, is a separate system that typically uses cables to pull the brake shoes against the drum, providing the force needed to hold the vehicle in place.

Over time, the e-brake can become slack due to wear and tear on the cables and brake shoes. This slack can reduce the effectiveness of the e-brake, making it crucial to perform adjustments when necessary.

Tools You'll Need

Before you begin the adjustment, gather the following tools - A jack and jack stands - A lug wrench - A pair of pliers - A wrench set - A small bungee cord or strap (optional) - A wheel chock

Steps to Adjust the E-Brake

1. Safety First Park your vehicle on a level surface and set the transmission to Park (for automatic) or in gear (for manual). Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for added safety.

2. Loosen the Wheels Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. You do not need to remove them at this stage.

3. Jack Up the Vehicle Using the jack, lift the rear of the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands. Ensure the car is stable before proceeding.

4. Remove the Wheels Now that the vehicle is securely elevated, remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the drum brakes.

5. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjusting the e-brake, inspect the brake shoes, drums, and cables for wear and damage. If any parts look worn, consider replacing them before making further adjustments.

6. Locate the Adjustment Mechanism On drum brakes, the e-brake adjustment is typically found either at the rear of the brake drum or within the drum assembly itself. Look for a star wheel adjuster.

7. Adjust the Brake Shoes Using the appropriate tool, turn the star wheel adjuster. Turn it to expand the shoes until they just touch the drum, ensuring you can still rotate the drum with slight resistance.

8. Adjust the E-Brake Cable After adjusting the shoes, locate the e-brake cable adjuster, usually found under the dash or at the rear of the vehicle. You may need to consult your vehicle’s manual for the specific location. Adjust the tension of the cable until you have a firm pull on the e-brake lever—generally, the lever should pull up about 3 to 6 clicks without feeling overly tight.

9. Reassemble Once adjusted, replace the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure they are secure.

10. Test the E-Brake With the vehicle on the ground, test the e-brake by pulling the lever. It should engage effectively with a firm feel. Test it parked on a slight incline to ensure it holds.

11. Final Inspection Finally, double-check your work, ensuring all components are functioning properly. If you notice any issues during testing, it may be necessary to re-adjust or seek professional help.

Conclusion

Adjusting the e-brake on drum brakes is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your vehicle’s safety. Regular maintenance can prevent slack and ensure that your e-brake functions correctly. If you feel uncomfortable performing this procedure, do not hesitate to consult a professional mechanic. Ultimately, a well-maintained e-brake system is essential for your vehicle’s safety and reliability.