Drum Brake System: Adjustments

DESCRIPTION
The rear brakes are automatically adjusted while driving the vehicle. Manual brake adjustment is required only after the rear brake shoes and linings have been replaced, or if the adjuster has malfunctioned and has been replaced. Perform the manual adjustment with the brake drum removed, using a brake adjustment gauge and the following procedure.

NOTE: When adjusting the rear brake shoes and linings, check the parking brake for proper adjustment. Make sure the equalizer operates freely. Refer to parking brake system.

MANUAL ADJUSTMENT
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the brake drum retainers and the brake drum.
4. Use brake/clutch/service vacuum to remove any dust present on the brake assembly.
5. Carefully remove the brake shoe hold-down springs. Using sandpaper, clean the brake shoe and lining-to-brake backing plate contact points while holding the brake shoe and lining away from the brake backing plate.
6. Check the rear brake backing plate for damage. If any damage is found, replace the rear brake backing plate. If no damage is found, apply a small amount of silicone dielectric compound to the points where the brake shoes and linings touch the rear brake backing plate. Be careful not to get the lubricant on the linings.
7. Install the brake shoe hold-down springs.





8. Using a brake adjustment gauge adjust to the inside diameter of the brake drum braking surface.





9. Make sure adjusting screw rotates freely, if necessary, lubricate. Line up the rear brake shoes and linings vertically so the flats on the bottom of the rear brake shoes and linings are aligned approximately 1.5 mm (0.05 inch) above the bottom of the brake shoe and lining abutment plate before setting the gauge diameter.
10. Hold automatic brake shoe adjusting lever out of engagement while rotating adjusting screw and adjust shoes to fit gauge.
11. Rotate brake adjustment gauge around rear brake shoe and lining to make sure of proper setting.
12. Install the brake drum and install the brake drum retainers.
13. Install the wheel and tire assemblies. Tighten the lug nuts to 115-142 Nm (85-104 ft. lbs.).
14. Lower vehicle and retest.
15. Complete the adjustment by sharply applying the brakes several times while driving the vehicle alternately forward and reverse.