boraxman

Did the fronts today, Brembo rorors and PF pads(very easy). Would like to adjust the rears for now. Can it be done without removing the rear wheels?

TACOMANATOR

There is a hole on the back side behind the drum. You can use a small screwdriver to adjust your brakes through this hole. You can also mash on your brakes while moving in reverse and that will adjust them.
The hole should be covered by a rubber plug.

aowRS

The adjustment method mentioned is the most commonly used, but its difficult to get it right. When the rear is off the ground and you are rotating a wheel in order to feel for the drag of the shoes, it is tough to get it spot on because you are also feeling the drag of the differential gears, and the inherent slop.

The better way is to use a set of simple drum brake calipers. Place the axle on jackstands, make sure the handbrake is off and then remove the drums. This method works fine as long as the brakes do not have significant wear. Use the caliper to find the maximum inside diameter of the drum. Lock the caliper and then position the other side of the caliper over the shoes. Then adjust the shoes outward as usual with the star wheel until they are close to the arms of the caliper, but not touching. Then gently work the drum back into place and you're all set. I watched this procedure recently and thought that it makes far more sense than the imprecise through-the-backing-plate method.

Andreas

LarsDennert

Actually the handbrake adjusts the drums. It is also important that the handbrake levers are able to return completely to thier stop against the shoes for proper brake operation.