How to Adjust a Drum Brake: A Comprehensive Guide for DIY Mechanics
Drum brakes are an important and common component in many older vehicles. Ensuring that they function optimally involves a proper understanding of how to adjust the brake adjusters. This guide will walk you through the steps and considerations necessary to adjust a drum brake on your vehicle, ensuring safe and reliable performance.
Understanding Drum Brake Adjusters
When it comes to adjusting a drum brake, the process involves turning the adjuster either clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction in which you turn the adjuster determines whether the brakes are tightened or loosened.
Turning the Drum Brake Adjuster
To tighten the brakes and bring the shoes closer to the drum, turn the adjuster clockwise. Conversely, to loosen the brakes and move the shoes away from the drum, turn the adjuster counterclockwise. It's crucial to refer to the specific vehicle's service manual for precise instructions, as different makes and models may have variations.
How to Determine the Direction of Turn
Visually inspect the adjuster mechanism to determine which direction to turn it. Typically, one direction will adjust it up to compensate for wear, while the other will loosen it, making the drum easier to remove. If you're unsure, remember the rhyme: 'You can tighten something up or down, but you can only loosen something up [never down].' This can help keep the direction clear in your mind.
Popular Types of Drum Brake Adjusters
There are two popular types of drum brake adjusters: 'click-with-brake-tool' and the rotary type.
Click-With-Brake-Tool Adjusters
This type uses one adjuster per wheel. By rotating it in one direction, you can compensate for wear and tighten the brakes. If you encounter resistance, you can go back and turn it in the opposite direction. This method is straightforward and is particularly useful if you need to fine-tune the brake adjustment.
Rotary Drum Brake Adjusters
Rotary drum brake adjusters have one adjuster per shoe, giving you two per wheel. These are often quicker to use because you can turn the adjuster one-quarter of a revolution to lock the drum. Then, back off to a position with no drag. This method is efficient for achieving the desired brake adjustment.
Proper Adjustment Techniques
When adjusting your drum brakes, it's important to follow a few key steps to ensure optimal performance:
Jack up the wheel to access the adjuster mechanism.
Adjust the device in one direction, typically up to 10 clicks.
If it still feels loose, reverse the direction and adjust further.
Use a mallet or hammer to tap lightly on the drum while adjusting to ensure the shoes are correctly aligned and moving freely.
These steps will help you to properly adjust your drum brakes, ensuring that they function as they should for safe and reliable vehicle operation.
Conclusion
Accurately adjusting a drum brake is crucial for maintaining safe and reliable vehicle performance. Understanding the proper techniques and following the guidelines above can help you to adjust your drum brakes with confidence. Always refer to your vehicle's service manual for specific procedures, as different models may require slightly different steps.