Drum Brake System: Adjustments

Brake Adjusting Hole Plug:

NOTE: Normally, self adjusting drum brakes will not require manual brake shoe adjustment. Although in the event of a brake reline it is advisable to make the initial adjustment manually to speed up the adjusting time.

PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle so that the rear wheels are free to turn.
2. Remove rubber plug, from rear brake adjusting hole, in the rear brake support plate.
3. Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.
4. Insert Brake Adjusting, Special Tool C-3784 or equivalent through the adjusting hole in support plate and against star wheel of adjusting screw. Move handle of tool upward until a slight drag is felt when road wheel is rotated.
5. Insert a thin screwdriver or piece of welding rod into brake adjusting hole. Push adjusting lever out of engagement with star wheel. Care should be taken so as not to bend adjusting lever or distort lever spring. While holding adjusting lever out of engagement, back off star wheel to ensure a free wheel with no brake shoe drag.
6. Repeat above adjustment at the other rear wheel.
7. Install adjusting hole rubber plug in rear brake support plates.