How do I adjust the drum brakes correctly?

The FSM suggests some micro-millimeter diameter difference between shoe OD and rotor ID. There's probably an easier way to do this?

 

I had the ebrake parts all off and disassembled so I don't know that I have the original adjustment in place. I think I counted turns and reinstalled the adjuster exactly as it was before but the rotor feels tight to install it. The ebrake is off, so I wouldn't expect the rotor should feel tight to slide on.

 

Is it as simple as adjusting the shoes until the rotor slides on with no contact?

 

(i now hate drum brakes even more...all of those springs, parts, and pieces are time consuming and annoying!)

Did you turn the drums? If not, there is a lip you will have to get over the shoes. I put them on with the shoes as far out as possible and still get the drum to slide on.

 

Pull the Ebrake handle up to the first tooth, then you can adjust throught the back slot (rubber plug) until the shoes just start to drag. When you release the Ebrake you will have clearance so you do not have drag on the shoes.

 

This whole thing is not so critical since its just the Ebrake.

excuse my ignorance, i'm new to drum brakes, this is my first time ever messing with them.

Did you turn the drums?

no, i didn't do any brake work at all. these are actually rear disc brakes, not drums. but the ebrake on all EJ's are drum. so the shoes don't ride against a typical drum, but ride against the inside of the rotors. same idea of course, just making sure you know that and i'm explaining it right.

 

when you say "there's a lip" do you mean on drum brakes or on rear disks that have a drum style ebrake? or both?

...when you say "there's a lip" do you mean on drum brakes or on rear disks that have a drum style ebrake? or both?

I believe it is a reference to the unworn edge of the drum where the shoes don't reach, similar to the ridge at the top of a cylinder... the one that needs to be reamed so the pistons can be removed.

That's how I adjusted mine, turn the star untill it doesnt bind when the E-break is off but doesn't have to be pulled up through the roof to tighten, kind of annoying but what can you do?

OK, the rear rotor on an ej is both a rotor and a drum. the drum is small as it is only used for the e-brake, but it gets turned just the same as a regular drum. How to tell if you need to have it turned is "does it have a lip that makes it hard to put the drum/rotor back on over the shoes". Well, that and "does it have grooves in it?" but I'm guessing you knew that

 

How I adjust mine: put everything back together including having the tire back on, and adjust the star wheel so the back wheel dosn't turn, then back off three clicks. do this on both sides. you should end up with no drag, and good e-brake action. You will need a tool (I have heard them called brake spoons and brake adjusters) that looks like a small pry-bar, but narrower. Get the one for imports as it is smaller than the one for domestic cars, and fits better. there is a rubber plug on the inside of the hub that gives you access to the star-wheel to do all of this.