Proper Rear Drum Brake Adjustment Procedure
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
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
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
too?
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
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.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-21-2010
Posts: 1,700
From: The Middie OHIO
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.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
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.
