Rear Drum Brake Automatic Adjuster

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRUM BRAKE AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER
The rear drum brakes on this vehicle automatically adjust when required during the normal operation of the vehicle every time the brakes are applied. Use the following procedure to test the operation of the automatic adjuster.

Place the vehicle on a hoist with a helper in the driver's seat to apply the brakes. Remove the access plug from the adjustment hole in each brake support plate to provide visual access of the brake adjuster star wheel.

To eliminate the condition where maximum adjustment of the rear brake shoes does not allow the automatic adjuster to operate when tested, back the star wheel off approximately 30 notches. It will be necessary to hold the adjuster lever away from the star wheel to permit this adjustment.

Have the helper apply the brakes. Upon application of the brake pedal, the adjuster lever should move down, turning the adjuster star wheel. Thus, a definite rotation of the adjuster star wheel can be observed if the automatic adjuster is working properly. If one or more adjusters do not function properly, the respective drum must be removed for adjuster servicing.