To adjust rear drum brakes on an older Ford, first gather essential tools such as a brake adjustment tool, mechanic's gloves, a flat-head screwdriver, jack stands, and a torque wrench. Prepare the vehicle on a flat surface, with parking brake engaged and negative battery cable disconnected. Remove the wheel and inspect the drum. Access the adjuster wheel located at the bottom of the brake assembly. Use a brake spoon to rotate it, ensuring the shoes gently touch the drum, allowing slight resistance. Conduct initial brake tests, listening for odd noises and ensuring stability. Discover more by exploring additional techniques.

Gather Necessary Tools

To adjust the rear drum brakes on an older Ford vehicle, gather the right tools to make the job easier and avoid damaging the brakes. You'll need a brake adjustment tool, also called a brake spoon, to reach the star wheel adjuster inside the drum. This tool helps you adjust the brakes correctly.

Wear mechanic's gloves to keep your hands clean and safe. Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove the dust cap and reach the adjuster through the backing plate. A jack and jack stands lift the car safely, letting you work on the rear wheels securely.

A lug wrench will help you take off the wheel. A flashlight or work light is useful to see the brake parts clearly.

When putting the wheel back, a torque wrench helps you tighten it properly, so it's not too loose or too tight. Having these tools ready will make adjusting the brakes easier and safer.

Prepare the Vehicle

Make sure your car is on a flat and stable surface like a driveway or garage floor.

Put on the parking brake to keep it steady. Use wheel chocks to block the front wheels and stop the car from rolling.

Turn off the engine and take the keys out of the ignition.

Unplug the negative cable from the battery to avoid electrical problems.

Wear safety gloves and eye protection to stay safe.

Find the jack points on your Ford.

Check the owner's manual if you need help.

Put a hydraulic floor jack under these points and lift the car until the back wheels are off the ground.

Place jack stands under the car for extra support, making sure they're steady before lowering the jack.

Access the Drum Brakes

With your car safely lifted, you can start working on the rear drum brakes. First, take off the wheel to see the drum. This will help you make precise adjustments to improve your older Ford's brakes. Here's how to do it:

• Take Off the Wheel: Use a lug wrench to remove the lug nuts. Then, lift the wheel off to expose the brake drum.
• Look at the Drum: Before you remove it, check the drum for any damage or rust. If it's too damaged, it might need replacing.
• Loosen the Drum: If the drum is stuck, tap it lightly with a rubber mallet. Don't hit too hard to avoid causing harm.
• Remove Retaining Clips: Some cars have clips on the wheel studs. Take these off before removing the drum.
• Pull Off the Drum: Gently pull the drum away from the wheel hub. If it doesn't come off easily, look for obstacles or adjust the brake shoes inward a bit.

These steps will give you access to the drum brakes for checking and adjusting.

Adjust the Brake Shoes

To adjust the brake shoes on drum brakes, first, find the adjuster wheel. It's usually at the bottom of the brake assembly.

Use a brake spoon or a flathead screwdriver to turn the wheel. This typically means rotating it upwards to spread the brake shoes so they gently touch the drum.

Make sure the fit is snug but not too tight. This will help the shoes work properly without rubbing too much against the drum, which can cause overheating.

Here's a quick guide to help you:

• Adjuster Wheel: Found at the bottom, it helps to widen or narrow the shoes.
• Rotation Direction: Usually, turn it upwards to widen, downwards to narrow.
• Ideal Fit: Shoes should touch the drum gently, not too tight.
• Tools Needed: Brake spoon or flathead screwdriver.

After adjusting, the drum should spin with slight resistance. This means the brake shoes are aligned correctly and ready to work well.

Test Brake Performance

After adjusting the brake shoes, check the brakes to make sure they're working well. Good brakes are key to driving safely.

First, do a simple test in a safe place like your driveway or garage. Press the brake pedal lightly. It should feel firm and not too loose.

Next, take your car to a quiet, straight road. Drive slowly up to 20 mph, then gently press the brakes. Your car should slow down smoothly without turning to one side or making strange noises.

Use this checklist to see how the brakes are doing:

• Pedal Feel: The pedal should be firm and not spongy or loose.
• Stopping Distance: The car should stop in a reasonable distance for its type.
• Noise Levels: No screeching or grinding sounds when you brake.
• Vehicle Stability: The car should not pull to one side and should stay straight.
• ABS Check: If your car has an anti-lock brake system, press the brakes firmly to make sure it works.

People Also Ask

How Often Should I Check the Adjustment of Rear Drum Brakes?

Check the rear drum brakes every 10,000 to 12,000 miles to make sure they work well. You can also look at them during regular car check-ups. This helps keep your car safe and stops the brakes from wearing out too quickly.

What Are the Signs That Rear Drum Brakes Need Adjustment?

Look for these signs to know if your rear drum brakes need adjusting: the brake pedal feels soft or squishy, your car takes longer to stop, the brakes don't work evenly, or you have to pull the handbrake really hard. Fixing these helps keep you safe.

Can Improperly Adjusted Drum Brakes Affect Fuel Efficiency?

Yes, poorly adjusted drum brakes can make your car use more fuel. This happens because when brakes are too tight, they create extra friction. This makes the car work harder and use more energy, leading to worse fuel efficiency.

How Do Weather Conditions Influence Drum Brake Performance?

Weather affects drum brakes a lot. Rain or snow makes them slippery, so stopping takes longer. Cold weather makes brake parts shrink, which can slow them down. Hot weather can make brakes lose power, called brake fade, which is not good for stopping.

Are There Any Specific Safety Precautions to Take When Working With Drum Brakes?

When fixing drum brakes, make sure the car is safely lifted up. Wear safety gear like gloves and goggles. Don't breathe in brake dust; use brake cleaner to keep safe. Always follow the car maker's instructions to avoid accidents.