When working properly, drum brakes are just as effective as disc brakes, and require less maintenance, but when they’re not performing well, you need to access the problem fast. It’s possible to adjust drum brakes yourself, and it’s a relatively simple project that will require minimal investment in terms of time and money. Before you begin, determine if your vehicle has drum brakes by looking at the type of lug nuts on each wheel. Lug nuts that have a flat face are used to access disc brakes, while lug nuts that have a cone shape are used to access drum brakes.
Next, gather some basic tools and materials: a floor jack, a jack stand, a lug wrench, a large flathead screwdriver, a brake adjusting spoon, and a flashlight. Safety should be your top priority, so before you lift your vehicle, find a solid, level surface to perform the repair. Apply the parking brake to keep the vehicle from moving, then use the floor jack and jack stand to lift the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and carefully remove the wheel. After you identify the brake drum, remove the brake drum by pulling it straight toward you.
Inspect the brake shoes and adjust them as needed with the brake adjusting spoon. If the shoes are worn down, replace them with new ones. Inspect the brake drum for any signs of damage, such as cracks or gouges. If the brake drum is damaged, replace it with a new one. Reinstall the brake drum and wheel, then tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stand. Pump the brake pedal several times to build pressure in the brake system and check the brake adjustment. If necessary, make further adjustments until the brakes are working properly.
Identifying the Brake System
Before adjusting the drum brake, it is crucial to determine the type of brake system installed in your vehicle. There are two primary brake systems commonly found in vehicles: disc brake systems and drum brake systems.
Drum brake systems are characterized by the presence of brake drums, which are cylindrical components that enclose the brake shoes. When the brake pedal is depressed, hydraulic pressure forces the brake shoes to expand against the inner surface of the brake drum, creating friction and slowing down the vehicle. Drum brake systems are typically less efficient than disc brake systems but are more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
Disc brake systems, on the other hand, utilize brake calipers and brake discs (also known as rotors). When the brake pedal is applied, hydraulic pressure pushes brake pads against the brake discs, generating friction and stopping the vehicle. Disc brake systems offer improved braking performance, reduced fade, and increased durability compared to drum brake systems.
| Brake System Type | Key Components |
|---|---|
| Drum Brake System | Brake drums, brake shoes |
| Disc Brake System | Brake calipers, brake pads, brake discs (rotors) |
To determine the type of brake system in your vehicle, visually inspect the wheels. Drum brake systems will have brake drums visible behind the wheels, while disc brake systems will have brake calipers adjacent to the brake discs.
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before embarking on the task of adjusting drum brakes, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools to ensure the job is done efficiently and safely. The following list outlines the essential tools required:
Jack and Jack Stands
A jack is necessary to elevate the vehicle, while jack stands provide stability and safety during the adjustment process. Ensure that the jack is of an appropriate tonnage capacity for the weight of the vehicle and that the jack stands are rated for the same.
Lug Wrench or Impact Wrench
A lug wrench or impact wrench is required to remove and reinstall the lug nuts that secure the wheel to the hub. It is important to select the correct size and type of wrench for the lug nuts on the vehicle.
Drum Brake Adjusting Tool
A drum brake adjusting tool is specifically designed to rotate the brake adjuster star wheel, which adjusts the brake shoe clearance. This specialized tool is crucial for achieving precise adjustments.
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks prevent the vehicle from rolling while it is elevated on the jack and jack stands. Place the chocks behind the wheels opposite the side being worked on to ensure stability.
Safety Glasses and Gloves
Safety glasses and gloves protect the eyes and hands from potential debris or sharp edges during the adjustment process.
In addition to the tools listed above, a flashlight or headlamp may be helpful for illuminating the work area, especially if the adjustments are being performed in a dimly lit environment.
Inserting the Adjustment Tool
To access the brake adjuster, you’ll need to remove the drum. Once the drum is off, locate the star-shaped adjuster wheel on the back of the brake plate. Insert the adjustment tool, usually a flathead screwdriver or a specific brake adjuster tool, into one of the slots on the wheel.
Identifying the Brake Adjuster Wheel
The brake adjuster wheel is typically located on the back of the brake plate, behind the brake shoes. It may be covered by a rubber plug or cap. If you’re having difficulty finding it, refer to your vehicle’s repair manual or consult with a mechanic.
Choosing the Correct Adjustment Tool
The appropriate adjustment tool depends on the type of brake system used in your vehicle. Most modern vehicles use a flathead screwdriver, but older models or vehicles with specific brake systems may require a different tool. Consult your vehicle’s repair manual or a mechanic to identify the correct tool for your vehicle.
Inserting the Adjustment Tool into the Slot
Once you have identified the adjuster wheel and selected the correct tool, insert the tool into one of the slots on the wheel. Make sure the tool is fully engaged in the slot to prevent it from slipping or damaging the wheel.
Ensuring Proper Brake Shoe Clearance
Proper brake shoe clearance is crucial for smooth and effective braking. Here are the steps to ensure it:
1. Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Jack up the vehicle and place it on jack stands for safe and easy access to the brake assembly.
2. Remove the Wheel
Remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel to expose the brake drum.
3. Inspect the Brake Drum
Check for any damage, wear, or contamination on the brake drum. Clean the surface with a wire brush if necessary.
4. Reinstall the Wheel
Temporarily reinstall the wheel without tightening the lug nuts. This will help align the brake shoes.
5. Adjust the Star Wheel
Locate the star wheel or adjuster located on the backing plate. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the star wheel in small increments. One click at a time is generally sufficient.
6. Test Brake Engagement
Repeatedly pump the brake pedal and rotate the wheel by hand. The brake shoes should make contact with the drum but not drag excessively.
7. Fine-Tune the Adjustment
Once the initial adjustment is made, use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the brake shoes and the drum. The clearance should be as follows:
| Drum Diameter | Clearance |
|---|---|
| <10 inches | 0.015 – 0.030 inches |
| 10 inches or larger | 0.030 – 0.060 inches |
Continue fine-tuning the adjustment until the correct clearance is achieved. The brake shoes should contact the drum evenly around the circumference.
Tightening Locknut
With the locknut in place, it’s time to tighten it down. Begin by using a wrench to snugly tighten the locknut against the backing plate. Once it’s secure, use a pair of pliers to further tighten the locknut by about 1/4 to 1/2 turn. This will ensure that the locknut is adequately tightened but not overtightened, which could damage the threads.
Caution: Do not overtighten the locknut, as this could cause damage to the backing plate or the brake drum.
| Tool(s) Required | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wrench | To tighten the locknut |
| Pliers | To further tighten the locknut |
Tip: If you don’t have pliers, you can use a hammer and a nail to tighten the locknut. Simply place the nail on the head of the locknut and gently tap it with the hammer until the locknut is tight.
How to Adjust a Drum Brake
Drum brakes are a type of brake system that uses a rotating drum to slow or stop a vehicle’s wheels. The drum brake system consists of a wheel cylinder, brake shoes, brake drums, and a return spring. The wheel cylinder is connected to the brake pedal and is responsible for activating the brake shoes. When the brake pedal is depressed, the wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the inner surface of the brake drums, which in turn slows or stops the vehicle’s wheels.
Drum brakes require periodic adjustment to ensure that they are working properly. To adjust a drum brake, you will need the following tools:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Drum brake adjusting spoon
- Brake cleaner
- Brake fluid
Once you have gathered the necessary tools, you can follow these steps to adjust a drum brake:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you are going to adjust, but do not remove them completely.
3. Raise the vehicle using the jack and jack stands.
4. Remove the lug nuts and wheel.
5. Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the brake drum retaining screws.
6. Pull the brake drum off of the wheel hub.
7. Inspect the brake shoes and brake drums for wear or damage. If the brake shoes or brake drums are worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
8. Use the brake brake adjusting spoon to adjust the brake shoes. The brake shoes should be adjusted so that they are about 1/16 of an inch away from the brake drums.
9. Replace the brake drum and brake drum retaining screws.
10. Repeat steps 2-9 for the other wheel.
11. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.
12. Test the brakes to make sure that they are working properly.
People Also Ask About How to Adjust a Drum Brake
What are the signs and symptoms of a drum brake that needs to be adjusted?
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of a drum brake that needs to be adjusted:
- The brake pedal feels spongy or soft.
- The vehicle pulls to one side when braking.
- The brake pads are making a squealing noise.
- The vehicle’s brakes are not stopping the vehicle as effectively as they should.
How often should drum brakes be adjusted?
Drum brakes should be adjusted every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or as needed.
Can I adjust drum brakes myself?
Yes, you can adjust drum brakes yourself, but it is important to follow the steps carefully and to make sure that the brakes are adjusted properly. If you are not comfortable adjusting drum brakes yourself, you can always take your vehicle to a mechanic.
How much does it cost to adjust drum brakes?
The cost to adjust drum brakes varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. However, the average cost to adjust drum brakes is between $50 and $100.
