Drum Brake System: Adjustments

DESCRIPTION
^ Using the parking brake control automatically adjusts the rear brake shoes and linings. As the parking brake control is applied, a cam in the rear brake strut and quadrant will move and adjust the rear brakes.
^ The rear brakes are automatically adjusted while driving the vehicle. Manual brake adjustment is required only after the rear brake shoes and linings have been replaced, or if the adjuster has malfunctioned and has been replaced. Perform the manual adjustment with the brake drum removed, using a brake adjustment gauge and the following procedure.

MANUAL ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: When adjusting the rear brake shoes and linings, check the parking brake for proper adjustment. Make sure the equalizer operates freely. Refer to Parking Brake for service. Parking Brake System

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the brake drum retainers and the brake drum.
4. Use brake/clutch/service vacuum to remove any dust present on the brake assembly.

Rear Brake Shoe And Lining Contact Points:

5. Carefully remove the brake shoe hold-down springs. Using sandpaper, clean the brake shoe and lining-to-brake backing plate contact points while holding the brake shoe and lining away from the brake backing plate.
6. Check the rear brake backing plate for damage. If any damage is found, replace the rear brake backing plate. If no damage is found, apply a small amount of silicone dielectric compound to the points where the brake shoes and linings touch the rear brake backing plate. Be careful not to get the lubricant on the linings.
7. Install the brake shoe hold-down springs.





8. Using a brake adjustment gauge adjust to the inside diameter of the brake drum braking surface.





9. Insert a screwdriver into the knurled quadrant of the rear brake strut and quadrant to release brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes and linings to the same measurement as the brake drum by expanding rear brake strut and quadrant.
10. Install the brake drum and install the brake drum retainers.
11. Install the wheel and tire assemblies. Tighten the lug nuts to 85 Nm (62 ft. lbs.).
12. Lower vehicle and retest.
13. Complete the adjustment by sharply applying the brakes several times while driving the vehicle alternately forward and reverse.