Rear brakes adjustment.

[ArmyGuy45]

So I went through the crazy German inspections today and I barely passed the inspection.

I had 330 on the front disks, around 140 R and 150 L when using the E brake on the rear drums but when he applied the foot brake and tested the rear I had 150 L and barely 100 (closer to 90) on the R. Now I have no idea what the numbers mean (ft pounds or cm kilos....:confused:) but how would I add more pressure and make them even? German law states that they have to be within 50 of each other and over 100. More brake fluid? Do I need to lube up the "caliper" arms in the drums?

[bigjim350]

Use a flat tip screwdriver to adjust the adjuster through the back side of the backing plate on the axle. You should see a rubber plug on the bottom back side of the backing plate. You remove that so you can get your screwdriver in there

Sent from my nerdy smartphone

[oderdene]

yeah, jimbo said, see pics below

http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/drum-brakes/DSC01709.jpg

http://www.4x4xplor.com/images/drum-brakes/DSC01710.jpg

and well written instruction here

http://www.4x4xplor.com/drum-brakes.html

[ArmyGuy45]

I thought the star adjuster was for the E brake only?

When using the foot pedal is when I have the issues. Seems to me there is a difference in pressure in brake pedal vs E brake. Makes me think possible air in the line or bad caliper.

[bigjim350]

The adjuster isnt just for the e-brake. If I were you Id take off the wheels, adjust the adjuster unitl your shoes just barely begin to grab on the drum and then see how it goes. Also if its a bad "wheel cylinder" you will clearly be able to see it leaking with the drum off.

[ArmyGuy45]

The adjuster isnt just for the e-brake. If I were you Id take off the wheels, adjust the adjuster unitl your shoes just barely begin to grab on the drum and then see how it goes. Also if its a bad "wheel cylinder" you will clearly be able to see it leaking with the drum off.

I just find it crazy that the E brake test results were the same for both sides but the foot brake is weaker on the right side by about 35 percent. Yet its the same adjuster for the E brake? If I adjust the right side to make it tighter will it now make the E brake uneven?

[Mudderoy]

I just find it crazy that the E brake test results were the same for both sides but the foot brake is weaker on the right side by about 35 percent. Yet its the same adjuster for the E brake? If I adjust the right side to make it tighter will it now make the E brake uneven?

I understand your logic, but since the ebrake is only used when the vehicle is still, does it matter?

When I say "only" I mean not in an emergency, or when someone is tail gating you. :rotfl2:

[4.3LXJ]

If adjustment doesn't take care of it, pulling the drums is the next step and find out what is going on.

[ArmyGuy45]

I understand your logic, but since the ebrake is only used when the vehicle is still, does it matter?

When I say "only" I mean not in an emergency, or when someone is tail gating you. :rotfl2:

As much as I agree with you the Germans test for it. :bang:

[ArmyGuy45]

If adjustment doesn't take care of it, pulling the drums is the next step and find out what is going on.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/elements/drum_brake.gif

Where do I find the spring that is next to the star adjuster and adjuster cable? This spring I think is the cause of my problems. I think this spring is weak and cause the adjustment cable to recede and make the star adjuster inop. The spring I am asking about is hooked onto the shoe itself.

I did a hardware replacement kit which included the adjuster cable, shoe hold down springs and both primary and secondary springs. I guess I will have to find a kit that has that spring in it and try it.

[4.3LXJ]

I just bought some recently from NAPA. Comes in a 4 pack, don't ask me why, for about $2.00

[ArmyGuy45]

I just bought some recently from NAPA. Comes in a 4 pack, don't ask me why, for about $2.00

Do you know the name of the spring?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Brake-Drum-Self-Adjusting-Kit-Rear/2001-Jeep-Cherokee-4WD/_/N-jffs9Z8kolj?itemIdentifier=702936_0_0_3399%2C6730

I picked up one of these for each side since it shows in the pic the spring I need. Hopefully this fixes it!!!

[4.3LXJ]

It would be the brake adjusting screw spring

[ArmyGuy45]

It would be the brake adjusting screw spring

Well Ill swap that out (after this deployment) and let you guys know!