2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission rear brake adjustment

[rraulston]

Another member told me to adjust my rear brakes with the rear wheels off the ground and the truck in drive. Click it till you hear the shoes start to rub. I do this but the shoes rub on and off. Should i tighten up till i get a solid rub or a skipping rub. Seems to me that as soon as it touches, it should be solid unless the drum is cut out of round... ???b RRR

 

[Phil Stuart]

rear drum adjustment

I wouldn't get near the rear wheels while they're turning and off the ground. That's just my opinion. SAFETY!

It sounds like your method is OK to do the way you described it, just until they start to rub a little then that should do it. It shouldn't require a lot of effort to turn the wheel, but just enough to hear them rub.

That's how I've always done it. Good luck!



Phil

 

[illflem]

Your method is fine except do it in N with the engine off. Some people recommend backing off the star wheel after the shoes just start to rub, totally unnecessary, the first time you apply the brakes the shoes will center and the rub will disappear.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I do mine with the rear wheels off the ground. I tighten until I can't turn the wheel by hand then back off 2-3 clicks until the wheels will turn again. Pulling both plugs will give you enough room to use a screwdriver to push the "stop" away from the starwheel adjuster.

 

[shorty2500]

are the drums supposed to be hot when rolling down the road not using the brakes? i'll drive about 30 miles, downshift to a stop, get out and check the brake drums, and they are very hot to the touch.



any opinions?

 

[illflem]

They shouldn't be hot running down the road but just one gentle stop is enough to get them hot to the touch. If they were rubbing most likely they would burn you.

 

[shorty2500]

you're right. they actually were hot enough to burn. it turned out that i didn't adjust my e-brake when i replaced my brake shoes a couple weeks ago. i loosened things up and the temp is now how you described.



thanks.

 

[bombero]

Self adjusting brakes have been around for 30+ yrs. Why do you guy think that you need to fool with your rear brakes. . If you really want to look at what going on with the rear, lift the truck , pull a wheel and drum. I bet the shoes are fine

 

[illflem]

I've worked with self adjusting brakes for all of those 30+ years and the ones on my Dodges are the first to not work when nothing's wrong with them. Taken apart, lubed and checked more times than I care to count. Finally gave up and just do it by hand, one side is usually at least 10 clicks looser than the other side. About this time the truck starts pulling to one side while braking...

 

[Dheadington]

rear brake adjusters

EGR Brakes has a new adjuster that works can be added to stock brakes