Brake Shoe: Adjustments

Fig. 3 Rear drum brake:

Disc brakes are used on front wheels and drum brakes are use on rear wheels. Rear brake adjustment is automatic. Adjustment takes place whenever brakes are applied. An adjuster is attached to each brake shoe by means of a pin, Fig. 3. This pin is smaller than the slot in the brake shoe. When brakes are applied and brake shoes move outward, the automatic adjuster follows. When brakes are released the brake shoe moves inward until it contacts the automatic adjuster pin. The space between adjuster pin and slot in brake shoe provides shoe to drum clearance.
If rear shoes have been replaced, perform initial brake adjustment as follows:
1. Using a suitable punch, knock out lanced area in brake drum. On vehicles where no lanced area is provided, it will be necessary to drill hole in backing plate to gain access to adjusting screw.
2. Turn adjusting screw and expand brake shoes against drum using suitable tool. Adjust screw until each wheel can just be turned by hand. Drag should be equal at both wheels.
3. Back off adjusting screw until no drag is felt at drum, then continue to back off screw an additional four notches.
4. Install rubber cover onto brake drum or backing plate, then check parking brake adjustment.