Adjustment

Fig. 4 Backing off adjusting screw:

1. Knock out lanced area from brake backing plate with a suitable punch. If this is done with drum installed on car, drum must be removed and brake area cleaned of all metal particles.
2. Turn brake adjusting screw with tool J6166 or equivalent until brake shoes are expanded to where wheel can just be turned by hand. Amount of effort to turn wheels should be same at all four wheels.
3. While holding adjusting lever out of engagement with a suitable screwdriver, Fig. 4, back off adjusting screw several notches and check for drag. If brakes still drag, back off adjusting screw one or two more notches. Brakes should be free of drag when screw has been backed off approximately 12 notches. Heavy drag at this point indicates tight parking brake cables.
4. Install new adjusting hole cover in brake backing plate cover.

Fig. 5 Measuring brake drum inside diameter:

Fig. 6 Checking brake shoe lining clearance:

5. Check parking brake adjustment. The recommended method of adjusting the brakes is by using the Drum-to-Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge shown in Fig. 5 to check the diameter of the brake drum inner surface. Turn the tool to the opposite side and fit over the brake shoes by turning the star wheel until the gauge just slides over the linings, Fig. 6. Rotate the gauge around the brake shoe lining surface to assure proper clearance.