Quote:
Originally Posted by Bama Rambler
Most are self adjusting, but you need to check and make sure that yours are. Even if they are you should inspect and adjust them manually once every year or two just to make sure they're in good shape and wearing properly.
|
Self adjusting brakes have been around so long pretty much all bugs have been worked out. Only one remaining is RUST. If the adjuster itself seizes up due to rust or corrosion they no longer adjust.
When pulling drums to check lining wear check to make sure adjuster wheel is free to move. If not remove, clean, and Lube with a corrosion inhibiting Lube. Over the years I've found the silver colored anti-seizure to work great. Unlike oils it doesn't drip and it's both heat resistant as well as an anti corrosion aid.
Also, rather than blowing off all the brake dust it's better to hose down the shoes and backing plates with brake cleaner OR just a mixture of Dish Detergent and water. Use a stiff brush and clean good. Rinse well and then blow dry. A leaf blower works well at this stage. Some white grease under shoes where they contact backing plate (lift gently with screwdriver) and service adjuster as described earlier. Brakes will be great until next inspect.
As for manually adjusting, one certainly can but it's better to make sure the self adjusters are working. Once checked and serviced if necessary, a few stops as Dexter recommends and they do all the adjusting necessary (and aren't adjusted too tight).
__________________
"A wise man can change his mind. A fool never will." (Japanese Proverb)
"You only grow old when you run out of new things to do"
2018 Flagstaff Micro Lite 25BDS
2023 f-150 SCREW XLT 3.5 Ecoboost (The result of a $68,000 oil change
)
Linear Mode
