Drum Brake Shoe Adjustment

NOTE: Before proceeding. See Brakes - Warning or Brakes - Caution .

Verify the parking brake lever is in the fully released position.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Quick Reference/Hoisting - Standard Procedure
NOTE: Perform the following steps on each rear drum brake assembly as necessary.

Fig 1: TIRE AND WHEEL MOUNTING
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the rear tire and wheel assembly.

Fig 2: DRUM BRAKE MOUNTING TO AXLE
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Remove any brake drum retaining clips (5), then the drum (6). See Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/DRUM, Brake - Removal

Fig 3: Brake Drum Measurement
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1 - BRAKE SHOE GAUGE
Using a Brake Shoe Gauge (1), Special Tool C-3919 or equivalent, measure the inside diameter of the brake drum at the center of the shoe contact area. Tighten the Gauge set-screw at this measurement.

Fig 4: Brake Shoe Measurement
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - BRAKE SHOE GAUGE
Place the other side of the brake shoe gauge (1) over the brake shoes as shown in Fig 4 .
Adjust the shoe diameter to the setting on the gauge. To adjust the shoe diameter, turn the adjuster-screw star-wheel using a screwdriver inserted through the adjusting hole in the rear of the shoe support plate. Once the tip of the screwdriver contacts the star-wheel teeth, move the handle of tool downward using the support plate as a pivot to adjust the shoes outward.

Fig 5: DRUM BRAKE MOUNTING TO AXLE
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Once the shoe diameter is set, remove the tool and install the brake drum (6). See Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/DRUM, Brake - Installation
Turn the brake drum. A slight drag should be felt while rotating the drum. If not, repeat the above procedure.

Fig 6: TIRE AND WHEEL MOUNTING
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Install the tire and wheel assembly (1). Refer to Tires and Wheels - Installation . Install and tighten wheel mounting nuts (3) to 135 N.m (100 ft. lbs.).
After adjusting both rear drum brakes as necessary, lower the vehicle.
Apply and release the parking brake lever one time after the adjustment process is completed so the parking brake can readjust itself to the new brake shoe adjustment.
Road test the vehicle stopping in both forward and reverse directions. The automatic-adjuster will continue to adjust the brakes as necessary during the road test.