Steps to Properly Adjust Your Rear Drum Brakes for Optimal Performance

How to Adjust Rear Brake Drums A Step-by-Step Guide

Adjusting the rear brake drums of your vehicle is an essential maintenance task that can enhance braking performance, extend the lifespan of your brakes, and improve overall safety. Over time, brake shoes wear down, and the clearance between the shoes and the drum can increase, leading to less effective braking. This article will guide you through the process of adjusting rear brake drums in a safe and effective manner.

Tools Required

Before you begin, gather the following tools

1. Jack and jack stands 2. Lug wrench 3. Brake drum removal tool (optional, depending on the design) 4. Brake adjusting tool or flathead screwdriver 5. Clean rag 6. Safety goggles and gloves

1. Safety First Ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself. 2. Loosen the Lug Nuts Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels while the vehicle is still on the ground. Do not remove them completely yet. 3. Lift the Vehicle Using a jack, lift the back of the vehicle off the ground and secure it with jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding. 4. Remove the Wheels Now, remove the lug nuts completely and take off the rear wheels to access the brake drums.

Step 2 Inspect the Brake Components

1. Visual Inspection Check the condition of the brake drums and shoes. Look for signs of excessive wear, scoring, or any damage. If the shoes are worn down to the metal, they will need to be replaced rather than just adjusted. 2. Clean the Area Use a clean rag to wipe down the drums and brake components, removing any dust or debris.

Step 3 Adjusting the Brake Drums

1. Locate the Adjusting Mechanism At the rear of the drum assembly, you will find a small hole that gives access to the brake adjuster. You might need to rotate the drum to find it more easily. 2. Use the Adjusting Tool Insert your brake adjusting tool or screwdriver into the access hole, and gently turn the adjusting wheel. Turn it clockwise to tighten (increase the shoe-drum contact) and counterclockwise to loosen. 3. Rotate the Drum After each adjustment, rotate the drum to check for proper clearance. You want the shoes to make contact just before the drum stops turning, ensuring that they’re properly aligned.

4. Repeat as Necessary Continue adjusting the brakes until you achieve the desired tightness. Ideally, the drum should rotate freely with slight rubbing. Avoid over-tightening, which can cause the brakes to drag.

Step 4 Reassemble and Test

1. Reinstall the Wheels Once you’re satisfied with the brake adjustment, put the wheels back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. 2. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack. 3. Tighten Lug Nuts With the vehicle on the ground, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern to ensure they are evenly tightened.

Conclusion

Adjusting rear brake drums is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your vehicle’s braking performance. Regular maintenance not only ensures safe driving but also extends the lifespan of your brake components. If you feel uncomfortable performing this task or notice any severe wear during your inspection, seek assistance from a professional mechanic. By taking the time to adjust your rear brake drums, you are investing in your vehicle's safety and reliability on the road.