Drum Brake System: Adjustments

Drum Brake Adjustment

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gage
Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution.




1. Ensure that the park brake lever is in the fully released position.
2. Release the park brake lever boot from the floor console by applying light pressure inward on the sides of the boot retainer.
3. Pull the boot away from the console to expose the front park brake cable adjusting nut (1).
4. Release the tension from the park brake cable system at the front cable adjusting nut (1).
Using ONLY HAND TOOLS, loosen the adjusting nut (1) completely to the end of the front cable threaded rod.




5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
6. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
7. Remove the brake drums.
8. Position the J 21177-A to widest point of the brake drum inside diameter.
9. Firmly hand tighten the set screw on the J 21177-A .




10. Remove the J 21177-A from the brake drum and position it over the corresponding brake shoe assembly at its widest point.
11. While holding the J 21177-A in position, insert a 0.635 mm (0.025 in) feeler gage between one side of the J 21177-A, and the corresponding brake shoe lining.
12. Rotate the brake shoe adjuster screw until the brake shoe linings contact the J 21177-A, and the feeler gage.

Brake shoe lining-to-drum clearance: 0.635 mm (0.025 in)

13. Repeat the above steps for the opposite brake drum and brake shoe assembly.
14. Install the brake drums.
15. Adjust the park brake. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment (Disc) Park Brake Adjustment (Drum).
16. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Position the park brake lever boot to the floor console and press the boot retainer into place to secure.