how to adjust rear brake drums

நவ் . 13, 2024 19:01 Back to list

how to adjust rear brake drums

How to Adjust Rear Brake Drums A Step-by-Step Guide

Maintaining your vehicle's braking system is crucial for safety and performance. One of the key components that require periodic adjustment is the rear brake drums. Unlike disk brakes, drum brakes can lose efficiency over time, necessitating adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Here’s a detailed guide on how to adjust rear brake drums.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you get started, gather the following tools and materials - Jack and jack stands - Lug wrench - Brake drum adjusting tool (or a flat-head screwdriver) - Brake cleaner - Shop rags - Safety glasses and gloves

Step 1 Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Park Safely Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake for added safety. 2. Loosen Lug Nuts Using a lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them completely. 3. Jack Up the Vehicle Place the jack under the manufacturer-recommended lifting point and raise the rear of the vehicle. Secure it with jack stands. 4. Remove the Wheels Finish removing the loosened lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the brake drums.

Step 2 Inspect the Brake Components

Before making any adjustments, it’s important to inspect the brake components for wear and damage.

how to adjust rear brake drums

1. Check Brake Shoes Inspect the brake shoes for thickness. Replace them if they are worn down. 2. Examine Drums Look at the inside of the brake drums for scoring or wear. If they are damaged, consider replacing them. 3. Clean Components Use brake cleaner and shop rags to clean the inside of the drums, and remove any dust or debris.

Step 3 Adjusting the Brake Drums

1. Locate the Adjuster Inside the brake drum assembly, you’ll find an adjuster which usually consists of a star wheel. This is what you’ll be adjusting to expand the brake shoes. 2. Adjust the Shoes Using a brake drum adjusting tool or a flat-head screwdriver, turn the star wheel. Turning it in one direction will expand the shoes, while turning it in the opposite direction will retract them. - Expanding the Shoes Rotate the adjuster until you feel a slight drag when turning the drum by hand. This indicates that the shoes are properly aligned with the drum. - Final Check After adjustments, rotate the drum to ensure it moves freely without excessive friction. If it feels too tight, retract the shoes slightly. 3. Check the Parking Brake If your vehicle has a manual adjuster for the parking brake, ensure it is also set correctly. The parking brake should hold firm without pulling excessively.

Step 4 Reassemble and Test

1. Reinstall the Wheels Put the wheels back on, hand-tightening the lug nuts initially. Lower the vehicle back to the ground with the jack. 2. Tighten Lug Nuts Once the vehicle is securely on the ground, use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern for even distribution. 3. Test Drive Take your vehicle for a test drive at low speeds to see how it responds. Pay attention to the braking feel. If there is still a problem, further adjustments may be necessary.

Conclusion

Adjusting rear brake drums is an essential maintenance task that enhances your vehicle's safety and performance. Regular checks and adjustments can prevent issues and prolong the life of your braking system. Remember, if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this maintenance yourself, it’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic. Keeping your brakes in top condition will ensure a safer driving experience for you and your passengers.