so long ago i replaced the shoes on the rear drums. but for the life of me i just never got them set correctly and they never really held the truck (i always park in gear)

 

ive tried looking and cant find a comprehensive procedure for this so does anyone have a proper drum brake procedure to get them properly adjusted, i know how to replace them and such, just getting the adjusters set correctly then adjust the cable to the pedal (i already messed with it long ago) 

 

i will be getting new shoes and doing it over again correctly this time.

 

thanks

Edited January 9, 20205 yr by CUMMINSDIESELPWR

I jack up the rear of the truck with the front tires blocked and the trans in N. Now with the rubber plugs out and a small flat screw driver, start spinning the tires with your hands until you get the slightest bit of drag. If you dont like the drag, take another flat screw driver and push in towards the wheel on the metal arm and you can loosen the adjuster down a click or two to get them set exactly where you like.

16 hours ago, 98whitelightnin said:

I jack up the rear of the truck with the front tires blocked and the trans in N. Now with the rubber plugs out and a small flat screw driver, start spinning the tires with your hands until you get the slightest bit of drag. If you dont like the drag, take another flat screw driver and push in towards the wheel on the metal arm and you can loosen the adjuster down a click or two to get them set exactly where you like.

i think i may need to get new drums as well, the original ones were pretty marred up when i changed the shoes last and might be a contributing factor in them not seating well.

 

ill make sure to run the adjusters to where i feel drag then. thanks!

I think before I buy new drums I'd take them to a machine shop and see if they could be turned,(not an auto parts store) their lathes usually are not big enough. I think I paid $60 to get both turned.

I never had luck spinning the tires, get drums turned or new ones and set shoes to were you have a little difficulty getting drum over the shoes has worked for me.

I always adjust them out as tight as l can then back them off

I think it's important to put a drum on and step on the brake few times and spin the drum just to make sure everything is seated in place, they may need to just a little bit more again.

They make a tool for this as well. I used to have one but it was stolen along with my entire top tool box years ago. Been wanting to get another as they are handy.

 

https://www.lowes.com/pd/KD-Tools-Brake-Resetting-Gauge/1000973404?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-pla-_-216-_-soshandtools-_-1000973404-_-0&placeholder=null&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2NCJuK365gIVGP5kCh1M8gMuEAUYASABEgJOBfD_BwE

 

Brake drum gauge