Adjustment With Drum On Vehicle

Fig. 6 Release type brake adjuster:

NOTE: The rear drum brakes are equipped with a self adjusting mechanism. Under normal circumstances, the only time adjustment is required is when the brake shoes are replaced, removed for access to other parts, or when one or both drums are replaced.

1. Release parking brakes fully, if applied. Be sure there is slack in the cables.
2. Raise vehicle so rear wheels are free to turn.
3. Remove rubber plugs from access holes in rear brake support plates.
4. Insert Drum Brake Adjusting Tool C-3784 through access hole and engage it in adjuster screw star wheel. Turn star wheel counterclockwise (move tool upward) until a slight drag is felt when road wheel is rotated.
5. Insert a thin screwdriver or length of welding rod into support plate access hole and push adjuster lever out of engagement with star wheel. Do not bend the lever or distort the lever spring.
6. Hold adjuster lever away from star wheel. Then back off star wheel until shoe drag on drum is eliminated.
7. Repeat above adjustment at the opposite wheel. Be sure adjustment is equal.
8. Install access hole plugs in support plate.
9. Adjust the parking brake after wheel brake adjustment.
10. Make final adjustment. Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10 times to actuate adjuster mechanism and equalize adjustment. Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate the automatic adjusters.