how to self adjust drum brakes

How to Self-Adjust Drum Brakes

Drum brakes are a critical component of many vehicles, providing essential stopping power. However, they require periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance. One of the key maintenance tasks is self-adjusting the drum brakes. This process is important for ensuring that your brakes function efficiently and that your vehicle remains safe to drive. In this article, we will discuss how to self-adjust your drum brakes, providing step-by-step guidance for DIY enthusiasts.

Understanding Drum Brakes

Before diving into the self-adjustment process, it is important to understand how drum brakes function. Drum brakes consist of a drum that rotates with the wheel and brake shoes that press against the inner surface of the drum to create friction. Over time, the brake shoes can wear down, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency. Most drum brake systems today are designed to self-adjust as you drive, but manual adjustments might still be necessary if they have become significantly out of alignment.

Tools You Will Need

To perform the self-adjustment of your drum brakes, you will need the following tools

- Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake adjustment tool (or a flathead screwdriver) - Safety glasses - Gloves - Torque wrench (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Adjusting Drum Brakes

1. Preparation Begin by parking your vehicle on a flat surface and turning off the ignition. Ensure the car is in gear (or in Park for automatic transmissions) to prevent it from rolling.

2. Lifting the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Always ensure that the vehicle is stable before working underneath it.

3. Removing the Wheels Use the lug wrench to remove the wheel nuts and take off the rear wheel, exposing the drum brakes.

4. Inspecting the Brake Shoes Before making adjustments, inspect the brake shoes for wear. If they appear heavily worn or damaged, replacing them may be necessary.

5. Locating the Adjuster Drum brakes usually have an adjuster wheel or mechanism located at the bottom of the brake assembly. This can typically be accessed through an inspection hole in the backing plate.

6. Adjusting the Brakes Using a brake adjustment tool or a flathead screwdriver, turn the adjuster mechanism to increase the tension on the brake shoes. Rotate the adjuster until the shoes lightly contact the drum. Be careful not to over-adjust, as this could lead to dragging brakes.

7. Checking Proper Alignment Rotate the drum by hand to ensure it spins freely without any binding. If it does bind, slight readjustment may be needed.

8. Reassembling and Testing After adjusting both sides, replace the rear wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back to the ground. Once the vehicle is back on the ground, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the shoes are properly seated.

9. Final Check Take the vehicle for a short test drive to check for proper brake function. Pay attention to any unusual noises or behavior, indicating that further adjustments might be necessary.

Conclusion

Self-adjusting drum brakes is a straightforward maintenance task that can help extend the life of your braking system while enhancing safety. By following this guide, you can ensure that your drum brakes are functioning optimally. Regular maintenance not only increases the lifespan of brake components but also keeps your vehicle running safely on the road. If you ever feel unsure about performing these adjustments, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic for assistance.