ADJUSTMENTS

The drum brakes are self-adjusting and require a manual adjustment only after the brake shoes have been replaced.

NOTE: Disc brakes are not adjustable.

To adjust the rear brakes with drums installed, follow the procedure given below:

1. Raise the vehicle and support it with safety stands.
2. Remove the rubber plug from the adjusting slot on the backing plate.
3. Turn the adjusting screw using a Brake Shoe Adjustment Tool or equivalent inside the hole to expand the brake shoes until they drag against the brake drum and lock the drum.
4. Insert a small screwdriver or piece of firm wire (coat hanger wire) into the adjusting slot and push the automatic adjusting lever out and free of the starwheel on the adjusting screw and hold it there.
5. Engage the topmost tooth possible on the starwheel with the brake adjusting spoon. Move the end of the adjusting spoon upward to move the adjusting screw starwheel downward and contract the adjusting screw. Back off the adjusting screw starwheel until the wheel spins FREELY with a minimum of drag about 10 to 12 notches. Keep track of the number of turns that the starwheel is backed off, or the number of strokes taken with the brake adjusting spoon.
6. Repeat this operation for the other side. When backing off the brakes on the other side, the starwheel adjuster must be backed off the same number of turns to prevent side-to-side brake pull.
7. When all drum brakes are adjusted, remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle and make several stops while backing the vehicle, to equalize the brakes at all of the wheels.
8. Road test the vehicle. PERFORM THE ROAD TEST ONLY WHEN THE BRAKES WILL APPLY AND THE VEHICLE CAN BE STOPPED SAFELY!