How to adjust drum brakes

Many cars are equipped with drum brakes. For many years disc brakes have been used at the front of vehicles and drum brakes at the rear. Drum brakes can last a very long time if properly cared for….

Many cars are equipped with drum brakes. For many years disc brakes have been used at the front of vehicles and drum brakes at the rear.

Drum brakes can last a very long time if properly cared for. Periodic adjustment of the drum brakes ensures that the brakes do not stick while driving, as this can rob the vehicle of power and cause the brakes to wear faster.

Drum brakes usually need adjustment when the brake pedal must be pressed hard before the brakes will work. Adjustment can only be made on brakes that are in good condition. Keep in mind that not all drum brakes are adjustable. To make sure your brakes are in good working order, check your vehicle for signs of a bad or failing drum brake before you start adjusting them.

This article discusses the process of adjusting star type drum brakes.

Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Adjust Drum Brakes

Necessary materials

• Eye protection
• socket
• Jack stands
• Rags or paper towels
• Screwdriver
• Set of sockets and ratchets
• Wrench

Step 1: Raise the rear of the car.. Make sure the car is parked and the parking brake is on.

At the rear of the vehicle, place a jack in a safe place under the vehicle and raise one side of the vehicle off the ground. Place a stand under the raised side.

Repeat this process on the other side as well. Leave the jack in place as a safety measure to provide additional support to your vehicle.

• A warning: Improper lifting of the vehicle may result in serious injury or even death. Always follow the manufacturer's lifting instructions and only work on level ground. Raise the vehicle only at the recommended lifting points specified in the owner's manual.

Step 2: Remove the tire. With the car safely raised and secured, it's time to remove the tires.

Remove the tires on both sides by unscrewing the clamp nuts. Store nuts in a safe place so they are easy to find. Remove the tires and set them aside for a while.

Part 2 of 3: Adjust the drum brake

Step 1: Access the drum brake adjustment sprocket. The drum brake adjuster is located under the access cover at the rear of the drum brake.

Using a screwdriver, gently pry off the rubber grommet that secures this access cover.

Step 2: Adjust the sprocket. Turn the star control a few times. If it does not stop rotating due to the impact of the pads on the drum, then turn the star in the other direction.

After the pads have touched the drum, move the sprocket back one click.

Rotate the drum with your hand and feel any resistance. The drum should rotate freely with minimal resistance.

If too much resistance is present, loosen the star knob slightly. Do this in small steps until the brake is adjusted as you would like.

Repeat this procedure on the other side of the car.

Part 3 of 3: Check Your Work

Step 1: Check Your Work. Once the brakes are adjusted to your preference, replace the adjuster wheel cover on the back of the drums.

Look at your work and make sure everything is in order.

Step 2: Install tires. Install the wheels back on the car. Using a ratchet or pry bar, tighten the star nuts until tight.

Be sure to tighten the wheels according to the manufacturer's specifications. Perform the tightening procedure also in the star pattern.

Step 3: Lower the car. Using the jack at the lifting point, raise the vehicle just enough to allow the jack stand to be pulled out from under the vehicle. Once the jack is out of the way, lower the vehicle to the ground on that side.

Repeat this procedure on the other side of the car.

Step 4: Test Drive Your Vehicle. Take the vehicle for a test drive to confirm the brake adjustment.

Before driving off, depress the brake pedal several times to lock the brakes and make sure the pedal is working properly.

Drive in a safe place and make sure the brakes are working properly.

Adjusting drum brakes will allow them to last much longer and prevent brake slip. If the brake brakes, this can result in a loss of power and reduced fuel consumption of the vehicle.

If you are not comfortable doing this process yourself, you can call an experienced mechanic from AvtoTachki to adjust the drum brakes for you. If necessary, certified AvtoTachki specialists can even replace the drum brake for you.