how to adjust rear drum brakes

How to Adjust Rear Drum Brakes A Comprehensive Guide

Rear drum brakes are a vital part of your vehicle's braking system, particularly in older models and certain modern cars. Properly adjusted brakes not only enhance your car’s stopping power but also extend the lifespan of the brake components. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of adjusting rear drum brakes effectively.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before delving into the adjustment process, it’s essential to understand how drum brakes work. Unlike disc brakes which utilize a caliper to squeeze brake pads against a rotor, drum brakes operate through a set of shoes that press against the inside of a round drum. When the brake pedal is engaged, hydraulic fluid pushes the shoes outward against the drum, creating friction that slows the wheel.

Over time, as the brake shoes wear down, they need to be adjusted to maintain optimal performance. If they are too loose, you might notice reduced braking efficiency; if they are too tight, it can lead to premature wear and overheating.

Tools Needed

Before beginning the adjustment process, ensure you have the following tools handy - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Screwdrivers - Brake adjustment tool or flathead screwdriver - Safety goggles and gloves

1. Secure the Vehicle Safety should always come first. Start by parking your vehicle on a flat surface, engaging the parking brake, and using wheel chocks to prevent any movement.

2. Lift the Rear of the Car Using a jack, lift the rear of the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands. Make sure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.

3. Remove the Wheel Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheel. This will expose the brake drum for inspection and adjustment.

4. Inspect the Brake Components Before making any adjustments, visually inspect the brake shoes, drums, and springs for any signs of excessive wear or damage. If any components appear worn out, they should be replaced before proceeding.

5. Locate the Adjusting Mechanism Most drum brakes have a star-wheel adjustment mechanism located at the bottom of the brake assembly. It may be covered by a rubber plug, which can be removed for access.

6. Adjust the Brake Shoes Using a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver, turn the star-wheel. If you turn it in one direction, it will expand the shoes outward; turning it in the opposite direction will retract them. Aim to expand the shoes until they are close enough to just touch the drum, but not so tight that they prevent the drum from spinning freely.

- Check the Wheel Spin After making minor adjustments, manually spin the drum. There should be a slight drag; if the drum spins freely with no resistance, the shoes may need further adjustment. If it’s too tight, back off the adjustment slightly until you achieve the desired feel.

7. Repeat on the Opposite Side It’s important to adjust both rear brakes to ensure balanced braking. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the vehicle.

8. Reinstall the Wheels Once all adjustments are completed, reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle.

9. Test the Brakes After lowering the vehicle back to the ground, pump the brake pedal a few times to set the shoes against the drum. Take the car for a short test drive at lower speeds to ensure the brakes are working correctly. Listen for any unusual noises which might indicate improper adjustment or worn components.

10. Final Inspection After the test drive, check the rear wheels again to ensure everything is correctly installed and functioning as it should.

Conclusion

Adjusting rear drum brakes can be a straightforward task with the right tools and steps. Regular maintenance not only improves safety but also prolongs the life of your brake system. If you feel uncomfortable performing this task or notice significant wear on the components, it’s advisable to consult a professional mechanic. Ensuring your brakes are functioning correctly is crucial for safe driving. Happy driving!