How to Properly Adjust Rear Drum Brakes for Optimal Performance and Safety

Adjusting Rear Drum Brakes A Step-by-Step Guide

Maintaining your vehicle's brakes is crucial for safety and performance. While many drivers are familiar with disc brake systems, rear drum brakes are also common, especially in older vehicles and some trucks. Learning how to adjust these brakes is an essential skill, which can help ensure your brakes function effectively and prolong their lifespan.

Understanding the Basics

Rear drum brakes operate by using friction to slow down the vehicle. When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake shoes expand against the inner surface of the drum, creating the necessary friction to halt the vehicle. Over time, the brake shoes can wear down, leading to a decrease in performance and requiring adjustment.

Signs That Your Drum Brakes Need Adjustment

Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s important to recognize the signs that your rear drum brakes need attention. Common symptoms include

1. Increased Pedal Travel If you notice that the brake pedal travels further than usual before engaging, it could indicate that your drum brakes need adjustment. 2. Uneven Braking If the car pulls to one side when braking, it may signify that one side’s brake shoes are more worn than the other. 3. Noisy Brakes A grinding or scraping noise when braking often indicates that the shoes are worn down, requiring adjustment or replacement.

Tools Required for Adjustment

To adjust rear drum brakes, you’ll need a few basic tools

- A jack and jack stands to lift the vehicle safely. - A lug wrench to remove the wheel. - A brake spoon or flathead screwdriver for adjusting the brake shoes. - Brake cleaner to clean the drum surfaces. - A ruler or feeler gauge to measure the adjustment, if necessary.

1. Safety First Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Turn off the ignition and engage the parking brake. This will prevent any movement while you work.

2. Lifting the Vehicle Use the jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Always use jack stands for safety and never rely solely on the jack.

3. Removing the Wheel Use the lug wrench to remove the wheel covering the rear drum brake. Set the wheel aside in a safe location.

4. Inspecting the Drum Before adjusting, inspect the brake drum and shoes for wear and damage. If the shoes are excessively worn or the drum is scored, replacing them may be necessary.

5. Accessing the Adjuster Locate the adjuster mechanism, which is usually found at the bottom of the brake assembly. A brake spoon or screwdriver can be used to turn the adjuster.

6. Adjusting the Brake Shoes Turn the adjuster to expand the brake shoes until they lightly contact the drum. You should be able to rotate the drum with slight resistance, but it shouldn't bind. If you hear a dragging noise or the drum won’t turn, back off the adjuster slightly.

7. Reinstalling the Wheel Once the adjustment is satisfactory, reattach the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten them in a crisscross pattern to ensure they are secure.

8. Lowering the Vehicle Gently lower the vehicle back to the ground using the jack, and remove the jack stands.

9. Testing the Brakes Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper engagement. Take the vehicle for a short test drive to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Adjusting rear drum brakes is a vital maintenance task that can enhance both safety and performance. Regularly checking and adjusting your drum brakes can help prevent further issues and ensure a smooth driving experience. If you are ever in doubt about the condition of your brakes, consult with a professional mechanic. Being proactive about brake maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle safe on the road.