DIY Adjust Rear Drum Brake Level

8th June 2006

Brake pads will wear off over time... for rear drums brakes, we need to adjust the level so that we do not have to pull the handbrake so high to get the car to remain stationary.

This is a simple brake service that can be done with simple tools and takes little time to complete. You'll just need:

1. Lug nut remover + extension pipe(optional)
2. Car jack (preferably hydraulic type)
3. Philips Screwdriver
4. Flat head screwdriver
5. Hammer

The braking performance will be improved after this service is done. Nose dive will be reduced too during braking.

First and foremost, engage into 1st gear. 800x600	Jack the car up a little with tyre stil touching the ground. Then loosen the lug nut. An extension pipe would be very useful here. 800x600	Jack up the car higher until the tyres lift off the ground. 800x600
Remove the lug nuts and the wheel. 800x600	Release the hand brake. 800x600	Using a Philips screwdriver, turn anti-clockwise to loosen it while hitting it with a hammer as shown in pic. The screw will be loosen easily. 800x600
Hit the hub with hammer on the upper part 800x600	Then hit the bottom part... the hub will loosen by itself... then remove it. Pour out the brake dust collected inside. 800x600	Located the adjusting screw 800x600
Use a flat head screwdriver to push the level tighter. Normally 3-5 clicks would do. 800x600	Fix the hub back in place. 800x600	Turn the hub. If there is resistance, it means good. If it is loose n turns easily.. then adjust it tighter. 800x600
Put in the screw. Turn the screw clockwise while hitting the screwdriver with hammer for tighter grip. 800x600	Put the wheel back in place and tighten the lug nuts halfway. Lower tha jack and tighten the lug nuts again. Done! 800x600