Guide to Adjusting Drum Brake Parking Brake for Optimal Performance

How to Adjust Parking Brake on Drum Brakes

Maintaining your vehicle's braking system is essential for safety and optimal performance, and one key aspect of this maintenance is ensuring your parking brake is functioning correctly. An improperly adjusted parking brake can lead to performance issues, including the risk of your vehicle rolling when parked. In this article, we will explore how to adjust the parking brake on drum brakes, ensuring your vehicle remains secure when parked.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before we dive into the adjustment process, it’s important to understand how drum brakes work. Drum brakes consist of a cylindrical drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum to create friction and slow down the vehicle. The parking brake, also known as the handbrake, operates by pulling the brake shoes outward against the drum, locking the wheels in place.

Tools Needed

Before starting the adjustment process, gather the necessary tools - A jack and jack stands - A lug wrench - A flathead screwdriver - A socket set - A brake cleaner (optional) - A flashlight for better visibility

Steps to Adjust the Parking Brake

1. Preparation Begin by parking your vehicle on a flat surface. Ensure the engine is off, and the keys are removed from the ignition. It’s vital for safety to prevent the car from rolling during the adjustment process.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle off the ground. Secure it on jack stands to ensure it is stable.

3. Remove the Wheel Use the lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts from the rear wheel on one side of the vehicle. Take the wheel off to expose the drum.

4. Inspect the Brake System Before proceeding with the adjustment, inspect the brake shoes and drum for any signs of wear or damage. If the shoes are worn down excessively, they may need to be replaced, and you should be cautious about adjusting an already worn system.

5. Access the Adjuster Most drum brake systems have an access port on the back of the drum. Look for this port and use a flathead screwdriver to remove any cover if necessary. This will give you access to the adjuster mechanism.

6. Adjust the Brake Shoes Use the screwdriver to turn the adjuster wheel. Turning it in one direction will expand the shoes, while turning it in the opposite direction will retract them. Adjust the shoes until they are snug but not too tight against the drum. You should be able to spin the drum with some resistance but not so much that it won’t turn at all.

7. Test the Parking Brake Once you have made the necessary adjustments, reassemble the drum and wheel. Replace the lug nuts and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Engage the parking brake and check its effectiveness. The brake should hold the vehicle securely without the need for excessive force in the lever.

8. Repeat on the Other Side Don’t forget to repeat the adjustment process on the other rear wheel to ensure balanced braking performance.

9. Final Check After both sides are adjusted, test the parking brake again. Ensure it is working correctly by attempting to roll the car slightly while it is in neutral with the brake applied. If the parking brake holds secure, the adjustments have been successful.

Conclusion

Adjusting the parking brake on drum brakes is a straightforward process that can enhance your vehicle's safety and performance. Regular checks and adjustments can prevent brake failure and ensure your car remains securely parked. If you encounter any issues beyond simple adjustments, consider consulting a professional mechanic for further evaluation. Keeping your brake system in top shape is paramount for a safe driving experience.