BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT?

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Nov 17, 2010 | 07:39 AM

blk dog

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BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT?

Would any one care to share what they have found to be the best way to adjust the shoes on drum brakes (as in how far to back shoe from drum) or should they be touching? In Yall"s most valued Experince whats the best procedure you have found ? probley better than the way I have !82-F100

Last edited by blk dog; Nov 17, 2010 at 07:43 AM. Reason: forgot to inclued truck model

Nov 17, 2010 | 07:45 AM

smashclash

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From: South Jersey

well, if they're working properly they should self adjust. they do this by you backing the car up in reverse and then pressing the brake.

however i adjusted mine by using a screwdriver to turn the spoked wheel.

Nov 17, 2010 | 07:51 AM

blk dog

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Ive tried the backing up brakeing hard just slides front wheels .When Adjusting the spoked wheel how many turns would you say should be made to back off after there run up tight (if any)? thanks again .

Last edited by blk dog; Nov 17, 2010 at 08:17 AM. Reason: wasnt clear

Nov 17, 2010 | 10:43 AM

Rogue_Wulff

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From: Lost

Personally, I turn the star wheel until the drum/wheel starts to have resistance while spinning it slowly, then back off just enough to spin freely. At that point, you may actually hear a slight rubbing sound inside the drum, which is ok (might just be a spot of surface rust, which will quickly wear away). If it's just a hair too tight, they'll be fine, but any sign of dragging will tend to build up lots of heat. Too loose by a hair is also fine, but much more will reduce effectiveness.
If the shoes are always needing manual adjustment, I'd pull the drums and investigate the self adjuster system.