Cleaned up rear drums on my 96 4Runner (15 inch wheels), drum is back on and tried to adjust through the hole in the backing plate (drivers side). Tightened the shoes too much and can not get the star wheel adjuster to back off! Ebrake is off and I am using a small screw driver to push the adjusting lever out of the way so it doesn't hold the star wheel. Can't get it to budge...fully locked up. Panic about to ensue. Note the teeth on the star wheel adjuster are so small a regular brake spoon is too thick to engage the teeth. Before I put the drum back on, I cleaned the adjuster and it worked fine- no rust or gunk. Also I am inserting the screw driver in the hole at an upward angle to grab the star wheel and pushing downward (correct?), but when I push too hard (it still not moving) the tool slips off and no joy. Yup also pushing in with a small screw driver to push the adjuster lever clear of the teeth. What else can I try??? "Please Hep me he said"
thanks

 

Try a straight-pointed pick tool to push or a precision type screwdriver. The brake adjusting lever tool does work. It's all about how you maneuver it. To retract, driver side adjuster wheel is clockwise facing front, passenger side is counter-clockwise facing front. I find that the tool is most effective using the elbow that's closest to 90 deg. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. If the vehicle is not on a level surface, it will bind the brakes a bit. It's a PITA, but keep at it.

 

It feels like its too thick, but it's not...hard to believe when you're not able to see it behind the drum. Funny how it does when you remove the drum. Once you engage the adjuster pull up as you pivot the tool, to retract. That equates to the clockwise and counter-clockwise movements described above.

 

You lubricated the thread with high-temp grease?
And this...

 

Thanks for the reply! If I understand correctly, I was going the wrong direction on the drivers side (but that's what my Haynes manual said to do). You mean I should be standing at the back of the truck looking toward the front and should make the star wheel turn clockwise?
Will give your suggestions a try. Have a great weekend.

 

Yup (counter-clockwise if its the passenger side). Haynes screwed me over too. So I wrote my own notes. I believe my drums are still good...52k miles later.

 

Thanks 75w90!!!! Jacked the body up higher to get more room for the brake tool and had the shoes backed off and drum removed in 5 minutes! Yippeeeee. Need to get a new star wheel adjuster as I buggered up the original, my bad for going in the wrong direction. You made my day getting me on the right track. Have a great evening.

 

likewise!