2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake Drum Adjustment

[RJ2]

I need to tighten the rear drums , it seems the self adjusters arent working properly. Any hot tips on doing this?

Thanks RJ

 

[Extreme1]

Disassemble, clean and apply a light coating of anti-sieze to the threads. Be sure to get almost all the lube off the threads so there isn't enough to work off and get on the drum.

 

[illflem]

My driver's side self adjusters have never worked right since I've owned my truck and believe me I've taken it apart several times cleaning,lubing and checking it out with no success.

I just manually adjust at each oil change, pass side will usually take 1-2 clicks the driver's 10-15.

Way I do it is jack both rears up and turn the star wheel upwards while spinning the tire till it just starts to drag. That's it. No need to back off the star wheel, first time you apply the brakes the slight drag will stop.

 

[Joe G.]

Bill is right. The so-called self adjusters don't most of the time. Just adjust the rear brakes everytime you change the oil and you will be ok.

 

[RJ2]

Are the shoes wearing that much or do they just get that slack with mileage? There are two rubber plugs , can I turn the starwheel up to tighten without holding back any springs. I had new brakes put on in Feb on the Two Guys Garage show and that was at least 2 oil changes so I am due. . You would think as long as self adjusters have been around they would work. What is it about our trucks that wont let them do there job. Thanks RJ

 

[Extreme1]

I make it a point to actually make the self adjusters work aa couple times a week. I get rolling in reverse faster than normal and step hard on the brakes.



The first time I did the front brakes, the rears were so far out of adjustment that they weren't doing much and the pedal travel was long. After disassembly and cleaning (they were corroded tight and I had to disassemble and lube to get them to move again) they self adjust. But you have to make them work.