Drum Brake System: Adjustments

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.

1. Raise the vehicle so all wheels are free to turn.





2. Remove rear brake adjusting hole rubber plug from the rear brake shoe support plate.
3. Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.





4. Insert Brake Adjuster, Special Tool C-3784, or equivalent, through the adjusting hole in support plate and against star wheel of adjusting screw. Move handle of tool downward until a slight drag is felt when the 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 with star wheel, back off star wheel to ensure a free wheel with no brake shoe drag.
6. Repeat above adjustment at the other rear wheel. Install adjusting hole rubber plugs in rear brake supports.
7. Apply and release the park brake lever one time after wheel brake adjustment.