Proper Rear Drum Brake Adjustment Procedure
11-05-2011, 04:16 PM
#21
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Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
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Well, I'd have been on to thank you guys sooner for the advice, but I had a problem....it's 64* out and beautiful. Had to wash it too, since I was out there :) so easy a caveman, like me, can do it. Honestly took me longer to get the tools out and remove the tin clips than it did to adjust everything. So......since those clips were still on the drums, would it be safe to assume that they've never been opened up? Looked really good, no scoring, no dampness or fluid, just dust. Prolly .25" of shoe remaining on both sides. Not bad for 125k
11-05-2011, 04:20 PM
#22
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Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
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too?
11-05-2011, 08:48 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: 01-21-2010
Location: The Middie OHIO
Posts: 1,700
It stops soooooo much better!
11-05-2011, 11:03 PM
#25
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Join Date: 01-09-2007
Location: SE USA
Posts: 15,855
Well with all 4 working as a team now, it's no wonder.. Your back brakes are almost like new, according to your spec.
Now that you are adjusted, check the ebrake & remember that when it gets a few more clicks that that, it's time for a quik adjust..
You can also adjust 'em with the wheels on, there is a opening in the backing plate to go in. A normal brake adjustment tool is slightly too wide, but a lil massage on the grinder & all is well..
Or using a screwdriver should work.
Now that you are adjusted, check the ebrake & remember that when it gets a few more clicks that that, it's time for a quik adjust..
You can also adjust 'em with the wheels on, there is a opening in the backing plate to go in. A normal brake adjustment tool is slightly too wide, but a lil massage on the grinder & all is well..
Or using a screwdriver should work.
11-06-2011, 01:37 PM
#26
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Join Date: 01-21-2010
Location: The Middie OHIO
Posts: 1,700
I did most of my adjusting with the wheels on after initially checking everything out. Used a tiny screwdriver. I didn't measure the pads out...might be a bit less than a quarter, but certainly has plenty of meat left. I'm at 3 clicks on the brake handle now.
11-07-2011, 06:37 PM
#28
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Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,660
The flat type of adjuster spoon works good, the kind that is stamped metal vs. the kind that is a modified screwdriver, there are also flat ones with an offset that are even better. It is best to do it with the wheel on. New thickness on the leading shoe is about .25". The leading shoe does ALL of the work, the follower does the self-adjusting and parking duty.
04-30-2012, 03:02 PM
#29
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Join Date: 04-26-2011
Location: Hertford NC
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I'll have to check mine when I get home!
11-29-2012, 08:56 PM
#30
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Join Date: 09-19-2011
Location: myrtle beach, sc
Posts: 333
to tighten (spread the shoes) do you move the adjusting tool up or down..?? same direction of movement on both sides..??
