Drum Brake System: Adjustments

The rear brakes are automatically adjusted while driving the vehicle. Manual brake adjustment is required only after the rear brake shoe and lining have been replaced or if the adjuster was damaged and has been serviced or replaced. Perform the manual adjustment with the brake drum removed, using Brake Adjustment Gauge 206-DO02 (D81L-1103-A) or equivalent and the following procedure:

When adjusting the rear brake shoe and lining, check the front parking brake cable and conduit and parking brake rear cable and conduit for proper adjustment. Make sure the equalizer operates freely.

When adjusting the rear brake shoes and linings, check the parking brake levers for proper adjustment. Make sure that the adjuster mechanism operates freely with the brake shoes and linings centered on the rear brake backing plate.

1. Apply a small quantity of Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound D7AZ-19A331-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M1C171-A to points where the shoes contact the rear brake backing plate. Do not get lubricant on linings.
2. Determine inside diameter of the drum braking surface using a Brake Adjustment Gauge 206-DO02 (D81L-11103-A) or equivalent.





3. Adjust the brake shoes and lining's diameter to fit the gauge. Line the brake shoes and linings up vertically so the flats on the bottom of the brake shoes and linings are aligned approximately 1.5 mm (0.05 inch) above the bottom of the brake shoe abutment plate before setting the gauge diameter. Hold automatic brake shoe adjusting lever out of engagement while rotating adjusting screw. Lubricate if necessary. Make sure adjusting screw rotates freely.
4. Rotate brake adjustment gauge around brake shoes and linings to make sure of proper setting.
5. Install brake drum.
6. Install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten lug nut to 115 - 142 Nm (85 - 104 ft. lbs.). Do not use power or impact-type tools; use a torque wrench.
7. Install the wheel cover and nut covers as required.
8. Complete adjustment by applying brake pedal several times with a minimum of 111 N (25 lbs) force.
9. After brake shoes and linings have been properly adjusted, check operation of brakes by making several stops from varying forward speeds.