how to adjust rear drum brakes

How to Adjust Rear Drum Brakes

Adjusting rear drum brakes is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that ensures your car stops effectively and safely. Drum brakes can wear over time, leading to decreased performance. Proper adjustment helps maintain the right amount of friction between the brake shoes and the drum, enhancing braking efficiency and prolonging the life of the braking components.

Tools Needed

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools a jack, jack stands, a lug wrench, a brake drum adjustment tool (or a flathead screwdriver), and possibly a wheel chock. Safety gear like gloves and goggles is also recommended.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation Park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks under the front wheels to prevent the car from rolling.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels using a lug wrench.

3. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjusting, visually inspect the brake shoes and drums for wear and damage. If the shoes are worn beyond the manufacturer’s specifications, they should be replaced.

4. Locate the Adjuster Inside the drum, you will find the brake shoes and an adjuster mechanism. This is usually at the bottom of the brake assembly.

5. Adjust the Brake Shoes Using the brake drum adjustment tool, turn the adjuster to either loosen or tighten the brake shoes. Turning the adjuster wheel clockwise usually tightens the shoes, while counterclockwise loosens them. Adjust until the brake shoes are about a millimeter away from the drum. You should hear a slight dragging sound when turning the drum by hand.

6. Reassemble Once the adjustment is made, replace the brake drum (if removed) and reinstall the wheel. Ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer's torque specifications.

7. Lower the Vehicle Carefully lower the vehicle back to the ground. Repeat the process on the other side, as the rear brakes should be adjusted evenly.

8. Test the Brakes Once you have adjusted both sides, take the vehicle for a test drive. Check for proper brake engagement and any unusual noises. If everything feels fine, you’ve completed the adjustment successfully!

Conclusion

Regular maintenance and adjustment of rear drum brakes are essential for safety and performance. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic. This small but significant task will ensure that your braking system operates efficiently, providing a smoother and safer driving experience.