Proper adjustment of drum brakes on a classic Ford requires specific steps to ensure optimal functionality. Start by gathering tools such as a brake spoon and a service manual. Ensure safety using gloves, glasses, and chocks. Jack up the car on a flat surface, securing it with jack stands. Remove the wheel and drum, loosening screws as needed. Inspect brake shoes, ensuring they have at least 3mm thickness, and check components like springs and wheel cylinders for wear. Adjust brake shoes using the star wheel, seeking slight resistance upon wheel spin. Conduct tests for pedal feel and stopping performance to verify accuracy. Attention to each step enhances safety and efficiency.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before you adjust the drum brakes on your classic Ford, make sure you have the right tools. A brake spoon or adjuster tool helps you turn the brake adjuster star wheel.
You'll also need a brake spring tool to take off and put on brake springs safely. Needle-nose pliers are good for handling small parts.
Use a jack and jack stands to lift the car safely and get to the brakes. A torque wrench is used to tighten the wheel lug nuts according to the car maker's guidelines. A flashlight can help you see the brake parts better.
A service manual for your Ford model provides useful diagrams and details. Good quality tools last longer and work better during the adjustment process.
Being prepared helps things go smoothly and avoids problems.
Ensure Vehicle Safety
Safety comes first when adjusting the drum brakes on your classic Ford. Start by gathering safety gear like gloves, safety glasses, and ensuring your work area is stable and non-slip. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach in case of emergencies.
Safety Checklist:
- Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to keep safe from injuries.
- Stable Surface: Park the car on a flat, hard surface to stop any movement.
- Lighting: Make sure the area is bright enough to see clearly and avoid mistakes.
- Fire Extinguisher: Have one nearby for emergencies.
- Proper Tools: Use the right tools for the job to avoid accidents.
Set up in a safe spot to prevent mishaps.
Park the vehicle on a level surface. Good lighting helps you see details better, reducing errors.
Use the correct tools instead of makeshift ones to ensure safety and accuracy. Following these steps helps you work safely and effectively on your vehicle's brakes.
Lift and Support Car
To safely lift and support your classic Ford for brake adjustments, follow these steps:
1. Choose a Flat Surface: Park the car on a level area to prevent rolling.
2. Secure the Car: Use the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels if you're working on the front. Put them in front if you're working on the rear.
3. Lift the Car: Use a hydraulic floor jack with at least a three-ton capacity. Find the lift points, usually shown in the owner's manual or on the car frame.
For a 1960s Ford Mustang, look near the front crossmember and rear axle.
4. Use Jack Stands: After lifting, place jack stands under the frame or axle. Make sure they can hold the car's weight. Two-ton stands work well for classic models.
5. Lower the Car: Gently lower the car onto the stands. Check that everything is stable before you start working on the brakes.
Remove Wheel and Drum
Make sure your classic Ford is safely supported. Start by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel with a lug wrench. Do this while the tire is on the ground to keep it from spinning.
Once the lug nuts are a bit loose, lift the car using a jack and make sure it's steady on jack stands. Now, take off the lug nuts fully and remove the wheel, placing it aside.
With the wheel off, you can see the drum that holds the brake parts. If the drum doesn't come off easily, gently tap around its edge with a rubber mallet to help loosen any rust or dirt.
Be careful not to harm the drum or nearby parts. If the drum still won't budge, look for any screws holding it in place and take them out.
Some cars need you to adjust the brake through a slot in the backing plate so the brake shoes move away from the drum, letting it slide off smoothly. This way, you won't harm any important brake parts.
Inspect Brake Components
After taking off the drum, take a look at the brake parts to make sure they're in good shape.
Start by checking the brake shoes. If they're worn out or uneven, you'll need to replace them. The shoes should be at least 3mm thick. If they look shiny, they might have overheated and won't work well.
Check the brake drum for any deep scratches or marks. If the drum is not round or too big, you might need to fix or change it. Use a tool called a micrometer to measure the drum's size. The right size is usually in the car's manual.
Look at the wheel cylinders to see if they're leaking. The pistons inside should move easily. If they leak, you lose brake fluid, which needs fixing right away.
Also, check the return springs and other parts to see if they're rusty or not tight enough. This can affect how brakes work.
Make sure the self-adjuster works smoothly so the brake shoes line up right. Checking all these parts helps keep the brakes working safely.
Adjust Brake Shoes
How do you adjust the brake shoes on a classic Ford? First, make sure the car is lifted safely so you can reach the brakes.
Take off the drum to see the brake shoes and the star wheel adjuster. The star wheel adjuster is between the brake shoes.
Use a brake spoon or flathead screwdriver to turn it. This will move the brake shoes closer or further from the drum. The goal is to have the brake shoes close enough that you feel a slight drag when turning the wheel.
Check the thickness of the shoe lining. For old Ford models, keep it between 3mm and 4mm. This helps the brakes work well and last longer.
Manual adjustments give more control in older cars compared to automatic adjusters.
Regular checks and adjustments help keep the brakes working well.
Test Brake Adjustment
Checking and adjusting your classic Ford's brakes is key to keeping them working well and safely.
- Initial Wheel Check: After adjusting the drum brakes, spin the wheel. It should feel slightly resistant. This shows the brake shoes are touching the drum just right. If the wheel spins too easily, the brakes might be too loose, which can make stopping harder.
- Brake Pedal Test: Press the brake pedal down firmly. Notice how far it goes and how it feels. If the pedal feels firm and doesn't travel too far, the brakes are likely adjusted well. If it goes down too much, you might need to adjust more or check for air in the brake lines.
- Drive Test: Drive slowly on a flat, safe road and gently press the brakes. The car should stop smoothly without veering to one side. If it does pull to the side, the brakes might not be evenly adjusted or there could be another issue with the alignment.
These steps can help ensure your brakes are set up correctly.
Reassemble and Road Test
Once you've adjusted the brakes, it's time to put the parts back together. Make sure the drum, springs, and retainers are clean and not worn out. Line up all the parts correctly so everything works well.
Fit the brake drum over the shoes, making sure it fits without forcing it. Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to spread pressure evenly. Classic Ford models usually need lug nuts tightened between 75 to 100 lb-ft.
After putting everything back, try driving in a safe area to test the brakes. This helps check if the brakes are working right and not making strange noises or pulling to one side.
Start driving slowly and try stopping at different speeds. Pay attention to anything that feels off, as it might need more adjustments. This test also checks how firm the brake pedal feels and how quickly it stops the car.
Cars like the 1965 Mustang should have a steady pedal feel and stop in a reasonable distance. If you notice anything unusual, go back and adjust the brakes again.
People Also Ask
How Often Should Drum Brakes Be Adjusted on a Classic Ford?
Adjust the drum brakes on a classic Ford every 10,000 miles or once a year. This helps them work well and last longer. It's important for keeping your car safe, especially since old cars need special care.
What Are Common Signs That Drum Brakes Need Adjustment?
Drum brakes might need adjustment if you notice the car doesn't stop as well, hear strange sounds when braking, feel a soft brake pedal, or if the car pulls to one side. Regular checks can help keep brakes working safely.
Can I Adjust Drum Brakes Without Professional Help?
Yes, you can adjust drum brakes by yourself if you have some basic tools and follow instructions. First, check your car's manual for guidance. Be careful and make sure everything is lined up correctly to keep your brakes working well.
Are There Any Specific Tools Recommended for Adjusting Classic Ford Drum Brakes?
To adjust classic Ford drum brakes, you'll need a brake adjusting tool, which is sometimes called a spoon. It's also important to have a torque wrench and brake spring pliers. These tools help make sure the brakes are set up right and work well.
What Are the Risks of Improperly Adjusted Drum Brakes?
If drum brakes aren't adjusted right, they can make it harder for a car to stop quickly and safely. This can wear out the brakes unevenly and make it more likely for the car to have an accident because it can't stop in time.