Adjusting rear drums? Need a how to

dankspeed

My brakes are very weak. In one of the threads I've read someone was having similar problems and it was thought the rear drums needed to be adjusted. How is this done. I found a thread once before but can't find it now.

Thanks
Dan

89ac_EE2

easiest way is to take the wheels off....then the drums..and adjust the self adjuster....put drums back on...repeat until it is quite hard to turn the drums

bam-bam

First, try using the self-adjusters. Make 2-3 hard stops in reverse, then the same forward. Repeat. The adjusters are made to keep the brakes adjusted without pulling wheels and drums, but you need hard efforts in reverse to actuate. IF you do have to remove the drums, lube the adjuster screws with penetrating oil.

dankspeed

Thanks guys. Is there a way to adjust them from the rear of the drum w/o having to remove them?
Thanks again
dan

quarters

that previous post mentions a rubber grommet on the back of the hub that can be removed to access the adjuster. i can't verify if that's true or not.

89ac_EE2

there are rubber grommets you can remove but its extremely hard to adjust...or at least hard to find the adjuster...

ricefighter

i would suggest to take it off and inspect and clean if necessary. then do the adjustment. i believe that there is a self adjust kit from autozone. i haven't bought one yet but im gonna in the near future. just my 0.02c.





wagon...........................4ever.................

Jaker

Once you've removed the rubber plug on the back side of the backing plate, you can turn the adjuster with the tip of a screwdriver. You simply lift the splines on the adjuster with a slot/blade screwdriver. However, as someone has already mentioned, it's possible that the adjuster is seized and needs lubed, or there could be a decent buildup of old brake dust and brake fluid which will really gum up the works.

The hardest part is seeing in that tiny little hole. It's easiest if your car is on a lift.

dankspeed

The po claimed he replaced front and rear brakes before I bought it. I'm sure he used shit pads in the front but I thought i'd check the rear first before I spend money on the front. I guess it's possible he tossed the shoes on w/o adjusting them. I jacked the car up but couldn't see any where on the backside of the drum to adjust anything.

dankspeed

When the PO did the break swap he reversed the lines going to the brake booster so I was w/o power breaks. Problem solved, breaks work great.