how to adjust electric drum brakes

How to Adjust Electric Drum Brakes

Electric drum brakes are an essential component of many vehicles, particularly those used for towing heavy loads, such as RVs, trailers, and larger trucks. Proper adjustment of these brakes is crucial for ensuring safe operation and optimal performance. In this article, we will explore the steps needed to adjust electric drum brakes effectively.

Understanding Electric Drum Brakes

Before diving into the adjustment process, it is important to understand how electric drum brakes work. These brakes utilize an electric current generated by the vehicle’s braking system to activate the brake shoes, which pressing against the inside of a spinning drum to create friction and slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, the brake shoes can wear out, and the drum brakes may become misaligned, leading to decreased performance and increased stopping distances.

Tools You Will Need

To adjust electric drum brakes, you will need a few tools 1. A jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle safely. 2. A tire iron to remove the wheels. 3. A brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver. 4. A socket set for any nut and bolt removals.

Steps for Adjusting Electric Drum Brakes

1. Prepare Your Vehicle Begin by parking your vehicle on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and turn off the ignition. It’s important to ensure that your vehicle is secure before making any adjustments.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the vehicle and then secure it with jack stands. Make sure to do this for the wheel(s) where you want to adjust the brakes.

3. Remove the Wheel Use the tire iron to remove the lug nuts, and then take off the wheel to access the drum.

4. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjusting, take a moment to inspect the brake shoes and drum. Look for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or excessive wear on the brake shoes. If you notice any significant damage, it may be time to replace the components rather than just adjust them.

5. Locate the Adjuster, which is usually found at the bottom of the brake assembly. In many brake systems, you can access the adjuster through an opening on the backing plate, where you can insert your adjustment tool.

6. Adjust the Brake Shoes Turn the adjuster to move the brake shoes closer to the drum. Turn the adjuster clockwise to expand the shoes or counterclockwise to retract them. Adjust them until there is a slight drag when you rotate the drum by hand, indicating that the shoes are close but not overly tight against the drum.

7. Test the Drum Rotation After adjusting, spin the drum again. You should feel a bit of resistance, but the drum should still rotate freely. If it doesn’t, you may need to make further adjustments.

8. Reassemble the Wheel Once you are satisfied with the adjustment, replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and then use the tire iron to securely tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

9. Repeat for Other Wheels If your vehicle has more electric drum brakes, repeat the above steps for each one as necessary.

10. Final Testing After completing the adjustments on all necessary wheels, take the vehicle for a test drive. Pay attention to how the brakes respond. If they feel too loose or too tight, you may need to go through the adjustment process again.

Conclusion

Adjusting electric drum brakes is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the safety and functionality of your vehicle. Regular maintenance, including periodic inspections and adjustments, will ensure that your braking system remains effective and reliable for all your driving needs. Always remember, if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these adjustments, consult a professional mechanic. Safety first!