Rear brake adjustments

[Sal Lubrano]

What movement makes the rear brake adjusters tighten the brake shoes. I have heard different opinions. Is it when the car is going in reverse and brakes are applied or using the E-Brake. These are a few. Does anyone know for sure?
Thanks
Sal

 

[oddfire6]

they aare supposto be self adjusting. i always remove the drums and adjust them by hand

 

[stickybones]

The only thing I would trust is to actually take the wheel and drum off and turn the starwheel adjuster with your finger to expand the shoes to make them tighter in the drum.

Otherwise, what I've heard is slamming on the brakes after moving in reverse is what tightens the shoes.

 

[oddfire6]

or knock out the plug from the backing plate and adjust that way

 

[salvageV6]

From the service manual, Direct Torque Drum Brake Assembly page 5C3-2.

"Adjustment for both primary and secondary shoe and linings is automatic during reverse brake applications."

Just make sure if you do the linings and have it all apart the adjusters are cleaned thoroughly and neverseize is applied lightly to those screw threads.

If the system is loose and free they will adjust.

Otherwise manually via the back slot works well.

 

[Sal Lubrano]

Great info. Thanks Salvagev6 for the time.