Drum Brake Shoe Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Dodge Caliber. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before proceeding. See Brakes - Warning and 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: REAR DRUM BRAKES
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Remove the brake drum (4). See Brakes/Hydraulic/Mechanical/DRUM, Brake - Removal

Fig 3: Brake Drum Measurement
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - BRAKE SHOE GAUGE
Using a Brake Shoe Gauge C-3919 (1) or equivalent, measure the inside diameter of the brake drum at the center of the shoe contact area. Tighten the Gauge setscrew at this measurement.

Fig 4: MEASURING BRAKE SHOES
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Place the opposite side of the brake shoe gauge (2) over the brake shoes (1) as shown in Fig 4.

Fig 5: ADJUSTER WHEEL THROUGH SUPPORT PLATE
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Adjust the shoe diameter to the setting on the gauge. To adjust the shoe diameter, turn the adjuster 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 adjuster wheel teeth, move the handle of tool upward using the support plate as a pivot to adjust the shoes outward.

Fig 6: ADJUSTER WHEEL THROUGH SUPPORT PLATE
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
If at any time the adjustment needs to be backed off, perform the following:
1. Remove the plug from the rear of the support plate below the wheel cylinder.
2. Insert a small screwdriver through the access hole (2) in the support plate, under the adjuster, against the lever pawl. The pawl is attached to and pivots from the rear brake shoe.
3. While pushing on the pawl with the screwdriver to disengage it from the adjuster wheel teeth, rotate the wheel (1) upward to back off the adjustment using another screwdriver or a brake adjuster tool.
Fig 7: REAR DRUM BRAKES
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
Once the shoe diameter is set, remove the tool and install the brake drum (4). 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 8: 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 checking parking brake operation.
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.