Steps to Properly Adjust Your New Drum Brakes for Optimal Performance

How to Adjust New Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are commonly found on the rear wheels of many vehicles, and while they may be less prevalent than disc brakes, they serve a crucial role in the overall braking system. If you’ve recently installed new drum brakes, it’s important to adjust them properly to ensure maximum performance and safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to adjust new drum brakes effectively.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s essential to understand how drum brakes function. Drum brakes consist of several components, including brake shoes, a drum, a wheel cylinder, and various springs. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic pressure causes the wheel cylinder to push the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum, creating friction that slows the vehicle down. Over time, the brake shoes wear down, and adjustments may be necessary to maintain optimal braking efficiency.

Tools Required

To adjust your new drum brakes, you will need the following tools - A lug wrench - A jack and jack stands - A brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver - A flashlight - A pair of safety gloves

Step-by-Step Adjustment Process

1. Preparation - Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface. Park the car, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks around the front wheels to prevent any movement. - Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them completely.

2. Lifting the Vehicle - Using a jack, lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the drum brake assembly.

3. Inspect the Brake Components - Before adjustment, inspect the brake shoes and other components for any visible wear or damage. Ensure that everything is properly installed and in working order.

4. Locate the Adjusting Mechanism - Drum brakes typically have a star wheel adjuster located between the brake shoes. This is the component you will adjust to increase or decrease the distance between the shoes and the drum.

5. Adjusting the Brake Shoes - Insert a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver into the slot on the backing plate that exposes the star wheel. - To tighten the brake shoes, turn the star wheel in the direction that expands the shoes. This usually involves turning it upwards or in a clockwise direction. - You will feel resistance as the shoes make contact with the drum. Continue adjusting until there is a slight drag when you rotate the drum.

6. Testing for Proper Adjustment - After adjustment, spin the drum by hand. It should rotate freely without any significant obstruction. If there’s too much drag, you will need to back off the adjustment slightly.

7. Repeat for the Other Side - It’s essential to adjust both sides of the drum brakes to maintain even braking performance. Repeat the above steps for the opposite wheel.

8. Reinstall the Wheel - Once both sides are adjusted, place the wheel back on, hand-tighten the lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and then securely tighten them in a crisscross pattern for even torque.

9. Final Check - After everything is back in place, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the shoes are correctly seated against the drum. This will help eliminate any initial play and prepare the brakes for optimal performance.

10. Test Drive - Finally, take the vehicle for a short test drive at low speeds to check the brakes' effectiveness. Listen for any unusual noises and ensure the vehicle stops smoothly.

Conclusion

Adjusting new drum brakes is a crucial maintenance task that helps ensure your vehicle's braking system functions correctly. By following these steps, you can achieve proper brake adjustment, enhancing safety on the road. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with performing this task, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Remember, your safety—and that of others on the road—depends on a well-maintained braking system.