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How to Adjust Brake Shoes? A Step By Step Guide

Adjusting brake shoes is an essential maintenance task for any vehicle, as it ensures the brakes function properly and safely. Over time, brake shoes can wear out, leading to reduced braking performance, uneven wear on other brake components, and potentially even brake failure. Regular brake shoe adjustment can help prevent these issues, extending the life of your vehicle’s brakes and ensuring your safety on the road. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of adjusting brake shoes, covering the necessary tools, steps, and precautions to ensure a successful outcome.

Understanding Brake Shoes and Their Function

Brake shoes are a critical component of a vehicle’s braking system, responsible for converting the kinetic energy of the vehicle into heat energy through friction. When you press the brake pedal, the brake shoes are forced against the brake drum, creating friction that slows or stops the vehicle. The brake shoes are typically made of a durable material, such as leather or rubber, and are designed to wear out over time.

There are several types of brake shoes, including:

  • Single-acting brake shoes: These are the most common type and rely on a single spring to apply pressure to the brake shoes.
  • Double-acting brake shoes: These use two springs to apply pressure to the brake shoes, providing more consistent braking performance.
  • Self-adjusting brake shoes: These feature a mechanism that automatically adjusts the brake shoes as they wear out.

Tools and Materials Needed

To adjust brake shoes, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

  • Brake shoe adjustment tool (available at most auto parts stores)
  • Socket wrench or ratchet and socket
  • Tire iron or lug wrench
  • Brake cleaner and lubricant
  • New brake shoes (if necessary)

Step 1: Jack Up the Vehicle and Remove the Wheels

Before adjusting the brake shoes, you’ll need to raise the vehicle and remove the wheels. This will give you clearance to access the brake components and make the adjustment process easier.

To jack up the vehicle:

  1. Locate a suitable jacking point on the vehicle, usually near the front or rear axle.
  2. Position the jack and raise the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground.
  3. Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the Caliper and Brake Rotor

Next, you’ll need to remove the caliper and brake rotor to access the brake shoes.

To remove the caliper:

  1. Locate the caliper bolts and loosen them with a socket wrench or ratchet and socket.
  2. Remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off the rotor.
  3. Use a wire or rope to suspend the caliper from the suspension or frame to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose.

To remove the brake rotor: (See Also: How Many Brake Pads Per Caliper? The Ultimate Guide)

  1. Locate the rotor bolts and loosen them with a socket wrench or ratchet and socket.
  2. Remove the rotor bolts and slide the rotor off the hub.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brake Shoes

Now that you have access to the brake shoes, you can remove the old ones.

To remove the old brake shoes:

  1. Locate the brake shoe retaining screws and loosen them with a screwdriver.
  2. Remove the screws and slide the old brake shoes out of the brake drum.
  3. Take note of the brake shoe wear indicator, which is usually a small metal tab that contacts the brake drum when the shoes are worn out.

Step 4: Inspect and Clean the Brake Drum

Before installing the new brake shoes, inspect and clean the brake drum to ensure proper function and safety.

To inspect the brake drum:

  1. Look for any signs of wear, scoring, or excessive heat damage.
  2. Check the brake drum for any debris, rust, or corrosion.

To clean the brake drum:

  1. Use a brake cleaner to remove any dirt, grime, or debris.
  2. Use a wire brush to scrub away any rust or corrosion.
  3. Use a rag to wipe away any remaining debris or cleaning solution.

Step 5: Install the New Brake Shoes

Now that the brake drum is clean, you can install the new brake shoes.

To install the new brake shoes: (See Also: How to Fit Brake Discs? A Step-by-Step Guide)

  1. Take the new brake shoes and align them with the brake drum.
  2. Insert the brake shoes into the brake drum, making sure they are properly seated.
  3. Use the brake shoe retaining screws to secure the new brake shoes in place.

Step 6: Adjust the Brake Shoes

With the new brake shoes installed, you can now adjust them to ensure proper function and safety.

To adjust the brake shoes:

  1. Use the brake shoe adjustment tool to loosen the adjusting screw.
  2. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to tighten the brake shoes against the brake drum.
  3. Use a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the brake shoes and the brake drum.
  4. Adjust the brake shoes until the clearance is within the specified range.

Step 7: Reinstall the Caliper and Brake Rotor

Now that the brake shoes are adjusted, you can reinstall the caliper and brake rotor.

To reinstall the caliper:

  1. Slide the caliper back over the rotor.
  2. Use the caliper bolts to secure the caliper in place.
  3. Tighten the caliper bolts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

To reinstall the brake rotor:

  1. Slide the rotor back onto the hub.
  2. Use the rotor bolts to secure the rotor in place.
  3. Tighten the rotor bolts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

Step 8: Bleed the Brake System

Finally, you’ll need to bleed the brake system to remove any air that may have entered during the adjustment process.

To bleed the brake system:

  1. Locate the brake bleeding valve.
  2. Attach a brake bleeding kit to the valve.
  3. Pump the brake pedal several times to remove any air from the system.
  4. Check the brake fluid level and top it off as needed.

Recap and Key Points

Adjusting brake shoes is a critical maintenance task that requires attention to detail and the right tools. Here are the key points to remember: (See Also: How to Brake Tap a Dirt Bike? Master The Technique)

  • Use the correct tools and materials for the job.
  • Jack up the vehicle and remove the wheels to access the brake components.
  • Remove the caliper and brake rotor to access the brake shoes.
  • Inspect and clean the brake drum before installing new brake shoes.
  • Install new brake shoes and adjust them to ensure proper function and safety.
  • Reinstall the caliper and brake rotor.
  • Bleed the brake system to remove any air that may have entered during the adjustment process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Often Should I Adjust My Brake Shoes?

Answer:

Brake shoes should be adjusted every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. It’s also a good idea to check the brake shoes every 5,000 to 10,000 miles to ensure they are not worn out.

Can I Adjust My Brake Shoes Myself?

Answer:

Yes, you can adjust your brake shoes yourself if you have the necessary tools and experience. However, if you’re not comfortable with the process, it’s recommended to have a professional mechanic do it for you.

What Are the Signs of Worn-Out Brake Shoes?

Answer:

The signs of worn-out brake shoes include:

  • Squealing or grinding noises when braking.
  • Soft or spongy brake pedal.
  • Vehicle pulling to one side when braking.
  • Brake shoes are excessively worn or damaged.

Can I Use Any Type of Brake Shoes?

Answer:

No, you should only use brake shoes that are specifically designed for your vehicle. Using the wrong type of brake shoes can lead to reduced braking performance, uneven wear on other brake components, and potentially even brake failure.

See Also:

How Much Does It Cost to Adjust Brake Shoes?

Answer:

The cost to adjust brake shoes can vary depending on the type of vehicle, the location, and the mechanic or repair shop. On average, it can cost between $50 to $200 to adjust brake shoes.