Steps to Properly Adjust Emergency Brake on Drum Brake System

How to Adjust the Emergency Brake on Drum Brakes

Maintaining your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for safety and performance, and one often overlooked component is the emergency brake, or parking brake. If your vehicle is equipped with drum brakes, adjusting the emergency brake can significantly enhance its functionality. This article will guide you through the process of adjusting your emergency brake on drum brakes, ensuring that you maintain optimal safety levels while driving.

Understanding Drum Brakes and Emergency Brakes

Drum brakes work by using friction to slow down your vehicle, through a brake drum and a set of shoes that press outward against the inner surface of the drum. The emergency or parking brake is a separate system designed to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. This can be particularly important on inclines or in situations where the primary brakes may fail.

Signs You Need to Adjust Your Emergency Brake

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s important to recognize the signs that your emergency brake may need adjustment. Common indicators include

- Increased travel If your emergency brake lever pulls up higher than usual before engaging. - Inconsistent holding The vehicle rolls slightly when the emergency brake is engaged. - Unusual noises Any grinding or squeaking sounds during application may indicate a need for adjustments or repairs.

Tools You’ll Need

To adjust your emergency brake on drum brakes, gather the following tools

- A car jack and jack stands - A lug wrench - A socket set - A flathead screwdriver - Possibly, a wrench set

1. Safety First Begin by parking your vehicle on a level surface, engaging the regular brakes, and setting the automatic transmission in ‘Park’ or a manual in gear. Engage the primary emergency brake to avoid any movement.

2. Raise the Vehicle Use a car jack to lift the rear of the vehicle off the ground and secure it with jack stands for safety.

3. Remove the Rear Wheels Using a lug wrench, remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the brake drum.

4. Inspect the Brake Components Before adjusting, take a look at the brake shoes, drum, and other components for wear and tear. Replace any parts that seem worn out to ensure optimal performance.

5. Locate the Adjustment Mechanism Inside the drum, you’ll find the brake shoes and an adjustment mechanism (usually a star wheel) that controls the tightness of the brake shoes against the drum.

6. Adjust the Brake Shoes Using a flathead screwdriver or appropriate tool, turn the star wheel to expand the brake shoes until they make slight contact with the drum. Make sure that you can still rotate the drum with some resistance. Repeat this process for both sides if applicable.

7. Reassemble the Wheels Once you’re satisfied with the adjustment, reattach the drum, then the wheels. Tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern for even torque.

8. Lower the Vehicle Carefully remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle back to the ground using the car jack.

9. Test the Emergency Brake With the vehicle on a flat surface, engage the emergency brake and test its effectiveness. Ideally, the lever should not pull up too high and should hold the vehicle securely.

10. Final Check After testing, make a final inspection and ensure everything is secure.

Conclusion

Adjusting the emergency brake on drum brakes is a relatively straightforward process that can enhance your vehicle's safety. Regular maintenance and timely adjustments can help prevent more serious issues and ensure your vehicle performs optimally. If at any point you feel uncertain about the process or notice excessive wear on your brake components, consult a professional mechanic for assistance. Properly functioning brakes can make a significant difference in driving safety and peace of mind on the road.