2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 97 rear brake adjusters

[C Schomer]

I just did a brake job on my rear axle and studied (and operated) the adjusters til I figured out, they're absolute junk! A well designed adjuster cocks the adjuster arm and loads the spring, during the movement of the rear shoe, when backing up. Then, when the shoe returns, the spring and arm are allowed to turn the star wheel (extending the screw) only if the shoe moved far enough to warrant tightening the brakes. Not on our babies - it works backwards! The arm tries to do the tightening stroke of the starwheel while the brake shoe is in the rearward movement, as pressure is being applied to the shoes and adjuster screw. If luck prevails, the screw will turn tighter even tho it is being put under compression. I cleaned the screws really well and put a tiny dab of syn grease on them to keep them from rusting. I also figured out something else - it's necessary to hit the brakes pretty hard, while backing, to operate the adjuster. The adjuster springs are very strong and will keep the back shoe from pulling away from the center pin, unless hit hard. I already knew that, but didn't realize how much force it really takes. This is not as positive working as other adjusting systems and it's no wonder they don't work well. I'm going to try harder braking in reverse and hope for better luck. Craig

 

[bmoeller]

You are correct. Poor setup. I adjust mine manually at oil changes.