Backing off Adjustment on Rear Brake

[Alan Reagan]

Is there a way to reach the automatic adjuster to get it off the wheel when adjusting the rear brakes? In other words, if you get them too tight, is there an easy way to back off the adjustment?

 

[Thomas]

You'll need something like a long, small regular screwdriver—use it to push the self-adjusting lever out of the star wheel while you use a brake spoon or second screwdriver to back-off the star wheel.

 

[Alan Reagan]

That's what I thought but I couldn't find it when I put the driver in. Got my left one a little snug and can't get it to back off. The right one works fine. Thanks. It's raining this morning. I'll try again in a little while.

 

[Deezal Man]

Alan,

Ran into the same problem. I needed to rotate tires anyway so I decided to remove the rear drums in the process... to see what I was doing wrong. I proceeded to adjust the rears as if the drums were still in place. . Only now I could view what I was doing wrong. Not a problem since.

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[Ram_Kowboy]

I have always used a piece of welding rod. Bend it slightly at one end. Then you are able to snake it up under the adjustment lever and hold the lever away from the star wheel. With your other hand use a screwdriver or adjustment spoon to adjust the star wheel.


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98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,Cobra 29 NWST CB. American Racing Wheels. Power Edge EZ control module.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Thanks, guys. Went home at lunch and did it. Love the smell of hot linings early in the morning. The wheels were turning fine with no scrubbing after I adjusted them last night but I noticed the hot brakes smell when I got to work this morning. They weren't smoking. Didn't warp the drums. Lucky day. Anyway, if anyone else has this problem, you move the release away from the wheel by putting a small screwdriver through the slot behind (toward the rear of the vehicle, both sides) the wheel, against the bottom of the shaft. I felt it release and the wheel turned just fine. Thanks for the advice, guys.

[This message has been edited by Alan Reagan (edited 02-14-2001). ]