Drum Brake System: Adjustments
ADJUSTMENTS - REAR DRUM BRAKEThe rear drum brakes are equipped with a self-adjusting mechanism. Under normal circumstances, the only time adjustment is required is when the shoes are replaced, removed for access to other parts, or when one or both drums are replaced.
Adjustment can be made with a standard brake gauge or with adjusting tool. Adjustment is performed with the complete brake assembly installed on the backing plate.
ADJUSTMENT WITH BRAKE GAUGE
1. Be sure parking brakes are fully released.
2. Raise rear of vehicle and remove wheels and brake drums.
3. Verify that left and right automatic adjuster levers and cables are properly connected.
4. Insert brake gauge in drum. Expand gauge until gauge inner legs contact drum braking surface. Then lock gauge in position.
Adjusting Brake Shoes With Gauge:
5. Reverse gauge and install it on brake shoes. Position gauge legs at shoe centers as shown. If gauge does not fit (too loose/too tight), adjust shoes.
6. Pull shoe adjuster lever away from adjuster screw star wheel.
7. Turn adjuster screw star wheel (by hand) to expand or retract brake shoes. Continue adjustment until gauge outside legs are light drag-fit on shoes.
8. Install brake drums and wheels and lower vehicle.
9. Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10 times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize adjustment.
NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate automatic adjusters.
ADJUSTMENT WITH ADJUSTING TOOL
1. Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.
2. Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated freely.
3. Remove plug from each access hole in brake support plates.
4. Loosen parking brake cable adjustment nut until there is slack in front cable.
Fig. 6 Release type brake adjuster:
5. Insert adjusting tool through support plate access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting screw star wheel.
6. Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when wheel is rotated.
7. Push and hold adjuster lever away from star wheel with thin screwdriver.
8. Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake drag is eliminated.
9. Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure adjustment is equal at both wheels.
10. Install support plate access hole plugs.
11. Adjust parking brake cable and lower vehicle.
12. Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10 times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize adjustment.
NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate automatic adjusters.