which way to loosen drum brake adjuster

How to Properly Loosen a Drum Brake Adjuster

Drum brakes are commonly found in older vehicles and some modern ones, often used on the rear wheels. Proper maintenance of drum brakes is essential for safe driving. One important aspect is adjusting the brake shoes, which requires loosening the drum brake adjuster. In this article, we will explore the steps you need to take to effectively loosen the adjuster and ensure that your brakes function properly.

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, and a brake adjusting tool or flathead screwdriver. Start by safely lifting the vehicle with the jack and securing it with jack stands. Remove the wheels to access the drum brakes easily.

Once you have access to the brake assembly, locate the adjuster mechanism. The adjuster is typically situated between the shoes and can be identified by its threaded rod and a star wheel or lever. The star wheel is the component you will manipulate to adjust the tension of the brake shoes.

To loosen the adjuster, you will need to turn the star wheel in the correct direction. Most brake adjusters require you to turn the wheel downward (toward the ground) to loosen the shoes and create more space between them and the drum. If your vehicle is equipped with a self-adjusting drum brake system, you may need to disengage the self-adjust feature temporarily by pressing the brake pedal or using the manual adjuster.

It's important to ensure that you don’t loosen the adjuster too much. Over-loosening can lead to reduced braking performance and an increased pedal travel before the brakes engage, which poses safety risks. Typically, you want the brake shoes to be a few thousandths of an inch away from the drum's inner surface, allowing for slight expansion when the brake is applied.

After you finish adjusting the shoes, reassemble the brake components, ensuring everything is correctly aligned and secured. Reattach the wheel and lower the vehicle back to the ground. Finally, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure that the shoes are seated properly against the drum.

Regular maintenance and knowing how to adjust your drum brakes can significantly impact your vehicle's braking performance. If you're ever unsure, consult your vehicle's manual or seek assistance from a professional mechanic. Safe driving starts with reliable brakes!