Drum Brake System: Adjustments

Drum Brake Adjustment

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gage

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution.

Important: The park brake cable nut is a nylon lock type. Use ONLY HAND TOOLS when loosening or tightening the adjusting nut.




1. Remove the console rear trim plate.
2. Ensure that the park brake lever is in the fully released position.
3. With the park brake lever in the released position, loosen the adjusting nut (1) enough to completely relieve tension on the front cable.




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




9. Remove the J 21177-A from the brake drum and position it over the corresponding brake shoe assembly at its widest point.
10. 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.
11. 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).

12. Repeat the above steps for the opposite brake drum and brake shoe assembly.
13. Install the brake drums.
14. Adjust the park brake.
15. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
16. Lower the vehicle.
17. Install the console rear trim plate.
18. Release the park brake lever.