I changed out my entire brake system a while ago and for some reason didn't adjust the back pads like I should have. I know when I put the new ones on I adjusted the tensioner screw or whatever it is on the bottom all the way in so I could get the drums on. From then on I never adjusted them back to where they should be. Lately I've been noticing that it feels like my truck was real front heavy when I was braking. That's what led me to think about adjusting the back brakes. So, last night I messed with them a bit to see if I could get it somewhat right. Here's how I did it. I left the parking brake off and rocked the truck for and aft while I adjusted the screw. I stopped when I felt the pads start to grab. Then I backed the screw off about 1 1/2 turns (about 5 turns through the small hole with the screw driver). I did it to both sides as equal as I could so they would grab and wear evenly. Now, the brakes are like night and day, they are that much different, and for the better. I can't tell which are grabbing first and that makes me worried that the back might be taking more of the load than the front. What is the proper way to adjust the brakes so I can be confident that the rear are engaging when they should and only enough like they were meant too?

-Ry

If it aint broke, fix it till it is...

1985 F-150 302 4X4
Dana 44 TTB / 9 inch
4.56:1 Front/True-Trac
4.56:1 Rear/Detroit Locker
C-6 Tranny, NP208 Transfer
6 inch Skyjacker Class II lift
35 X 12.50 BFGoods AT's

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=6696&.jpg https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displaythumbnail.php?&photoid=6663&.jpg

 

sounds like you did a pretty good job of it to me. are you having a problem? if not, drive it like you own it.