Adjusting the drum brakes on my First Gen Tundra

[@alecstone7503]

There’s a way better way of doing this. Jack up the truck, put a jack stand because you’re gonna get under. Don’t take the wheels off. Go to the back side of the drum, there’s a rubber grommet that is protecting the same tensioner. If you have someone available to help you, have them spin the the wheel and adjust the tensioner until they can’t spin it a full rotation. It’s up to your discretion how much you want to adjust. But yeah. I’ve owned my truck 9 years and never had to take my rotors off to adjust the drums. Try it out next time.

[@alecstone7503]

And if you don’t have someone to help you, which Sal i know you’re working alone, and i’ve done it alone too, just adjust a few spins, get out and spin it. Get back under and adjust and repeat until you get it to your liking

[@JDMDriveway]

I had no clue that was an option and I'm eager to try it out next time I'm under the truck. Thanks for sharing!!

[@alecstone7503]

@@JDMDriveway there’s also a tool that’s pretty much made for the job. I’ve done it with a skinny flat head forever, but recently my dad had to do entire rear brakes on his ram 5500 and he bought the tool for it. Makes the job super easy and way better than a flathead.

[@garybrady7245]

​@alecstone7503 it's called a brake spoon

[@AllPowa287]

@@alecstone7503 Right after reading your post, I ran out to my truck and I see the grommets covering the access hole for the drum adjusting tool. Can't wait to adjust them. Thank you

[@jonathanhowell1103]

I think the rear drum brakes on 1st generation Tundras are semi-automatic in adjustment when the parking brake is used regularly. If I understand the mechanism, if the rear brakes are already loose then the parking brake adjustment feature won't function but if the rear brakes have been set properly then use of the parking brake will engage the ratcheting feature to keep the rear shoes properly positioned. Thanks for the video as I need to set my brakes, replace a lower ball joint, address a squealing pulley, consider rear leaf spring bushings... Keep up the great work!

[@jackrosen1740]

This ^^^ The rear brakes on a 1st Gen are automatically adjusted when you use the parking brake. Adjusting the star adjuster is only for when replacing the rear brake shoes.

[@JDMDriveway]

Gotcha, thanks guys for the info. I vaguely remember knowing that the parking brake should adjust the brake shoes, but obviously didn't think to mention it. Thanks for watching!

[@MrDefyreality13]

upto Sept 2002. after that they changed the parking brake setup in the drum and slightly changed the shoes. my 03 (build date 06-2003) has the different system than the one in this video. mine uses the old reverse and stab the brakes adjustment.

[@braixeninfection6312]

I use my parking brake all the time. But it seems to not be keeping my rear drums adjusted. As evidenced by my petal feeling a bit squishy. I don't remember how to adjust the parking brake mechanism. Only that it is reportedly a pain lol. Uggg time to figure that all out.

[@RATNotes]

I am happy to see you still making videos of your 1st gen. Love your videos man!

[@JDMDriveway]

They'll keep coming, just mixing in the other cars on the channel too! Thanks for watching

[@MrDefyreality13]

just an fyi, Toyota changed the rear brake setup around September of 2002. anything made after that will have slightly different shoes, and the parking brake arm is different on the front shoe. there is also a small thin metal adjuster arm added to the rear shoe that spins the star adjuster (unlike in this video). technically the newer system uses the standard reverse and stomp on the brakes to adjust (you should hear it clicking). while the earlier version, like in the video uses the application of the parking brake to adjust them. this video shows the older system quite well.

[@JDMDriveway]

Interesting, I had no idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@Bee0hDee]

Just did my lower balljoints, tie rods, sway links, and some 4600’s. Your videos always come in clutch. Brakes are next and I was dreading doing the drums as well. Thanks for the good content. 👍🏼

[@JoeReese-kh1jc]

Yeah u clutch wit da comments bra....

[@Bee0hDee]

What?

[@JDMDriveway]

lol not sure what he's talking about. Glad to hear that the videos are helpful! Thanks for watching

[@tuandang599]

I appreciate what you shared on how to adjust the rear brakes on 1st generation toyota tundra. I have a 2003 toyota tundra, and did the brake adjustment without taking off tires. There is an opening slot on the back side of the brake, which allowed me to insert small flat head screw driver and made adjustment.

[@Grappler130]

Dude you have some amazing timing, I'm about to dig into the drums this week on my 05 DC. The symptoms your describing are exactly what I'm hoping to fix.

[@JDMDriveway]

Haha glad to hear that. Hope you used the advice from the other comments that you can adjust them from the back side and avoid taking off the wheels. Thanks for watching!

[@Grappler130]

@JDMDriveway I actually ended up using your method, I wanted to check the drums/shoes as the truck is new to me. Also I'm pleased to say it solved my issue completely.

[@austindugas57]

Glad to see you back! Life gets busy. Great vibes Sal. Keep it up.

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks for watching!

[@darylhaack7752]

Great to to your Tundra Sal. Also thanks to your subscribers for their input on this adjustment. Looking forward to your next video. Cheers

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks Daryl! And I agree, huge props to everyone else who shared the easier (and proper) way of doing this!

[@Santerianumero1]

I've had my 06 for 14 years. They never auto adjust and I use my parking brake. Periodic tightening is necessary through backing plate. No need to remove tires as others have said. Makes a big difference and prevents overworking front brakes and eventually warping them if not done.

[@JDMDriveway]

Yup, I've had a similar experience with the parking brake, mostly because I never set it 😂. But yep, definitely will be adjusting them from the back from now on. Thanks for watching

[@kdautoks]

An upgrade done by a lot of the Tundra guys is to grab Sequoia rear discs and front larger brakes from a Pick n Pull salvage yard! Keep up the good work!

[@allenduncan1944]

I recently did a complete brake job. I have the parts to do upper control arms, steering rack bushings, cv axle boots, carrier bearing and the exhaust. I just need the time to do it.

[@JDMDriveway]

Haha I'm with you on that, I've got lots of parts to go on all 3 of my cars. Just need the time to do it! Thanks for watching

[@allenduncan1944]

@@JDMDriveway I took vacation next week, looks like a Tundra fest! Hope to complete all of the above mentioned issues!

[@shivdianayourfavoriterealtors]

Hey Sal! This was awesome, appreciate the video buddy. We just got a 2006 SR5. Keep it up brother. Shiv & Diana

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks for watching!

[@braixeninfection6312]

Should do it to mine. I use the parking brake often but it seems to not be keeping my brakes adjusted. And I often notice it feeling weak on the petal. Might also pull the drums off to inspect the insides and make sure everything is good. Also one other thing to check is the rear proportion valve. It sits above the axle under the bed. And it takes the high fluid pressure and adjusts it down for the drums. But also gives less braking force when the bed is unloaded and more when loaded. I'll also check mine. Also fun fact, that valve does need bleeding in addition to the wheels.

[@crs1474]

Not sure if yours has it but there’s also a proportioning valve right above/behind the rear differential that you can adjust how much rear brake is used. You can adjust it to send more power to the rears.

[@JDMDriveway]

Interesting, I'll have to check that out, thanks for watching!

[@WallaceRoseVincent]

Hey Sal! Here's a video suggestion. What's the best scanner for your Tundra? Specifically, given the age of the Tundra, do bidirectional scanners work? Which is the best value for the truck?

[@JDMDriveway]

Yeah, thanks for the input! I have a fairly budget scanner that only tells me the basics and it gets the job done pretty well. I haven't looked into getting a bi-directional one but maybe I will. Thanks for watching!

[@tomowens-no8qj]

Hi where did you get those Hub rings?

[@LuisMorales-dy6ms]

Love the 1st Gen videos, would love to see a timing belt replacing video too.

[@JDMDriveway]

I'll consider doing one next time it comes time to replace it, but honestly I don't know if I could do any better than the one from 1A Auto. Theirs is super thorough and I'd highly recommend it. Thanks for watching!

[@braixeninfection6312]

Same. I checked and my local dealer quoted over $2k for the job. I'd rather save the money but doubt I have the skills and time to do it myself. At least I can do most work myself.

[@PaulSmith-s1x]

What kind of car wash attachment do you use?

[@oherroprease207]

Do you know at what mm thickness the pad should be replaced at? I’m about to start diving into the fun of my break drums too

[@JDMDriveway]

Im actually not too sure, I'd research that on some of the forums. Thanks for watching

[@Big_E_Cheese]

Sal great video, do you think you could do a video on adjusting the bell crank? I’ve heard that this is important to have the rear brakes work well

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks for the idea, I haven't looked into that at all so I'm not sure how critical it is. Thanks for watching!

[@01Trdtundra]

the man I look forward to watching on the tundra content!!!, ps: I'd prefer team rusteez but dinoco is a close second

[@01Trdtundra]

and team Milwaukee all the way👍

[@JDMDriveway]

Haha thanks for watching!!

[@humpday2267]

There’s a rubber plug in the back of each backing plate that you can adjust your brake shoes without even removing the wheels just jack up rear end and pull the little oval shaped plug and use a pocket screwdriver to adjust it 1 click at a time

[@JDMDriveway]

Sweet, thanks for the heads up. I didn't know that was an option. I'll definitely do it that way next time. Thanks for watching!

[@humpday2267]

You do not need to remove the drums or wheels. There’s a rubber plug on the inside of each axle backing plate you can remove to adjust these rear drums without having to keep removing the drum to adjust.

[@JDMDriveway]

Sweet, thanks for the heads up!

[@davidward8578]

Nice video.

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks David!

[@davidsalazar787]

Bro where did you go??? lol all good take care buddy

[@JDMDriveway]

I'm working on it!! Haha thanks for watching

[@DavidGonzalez-ih6mp]

u jst might be missing bolts from your trans mount very common

[@JDMDriveway]

This turned out to be the fix for me. Thanks for the suggestion though!

[@bobberthero2973]

Great work Sal! Just subbed and watch all your videos, liked ‘em all. Got a VR4 myself and it’s cool to see the comparison and differences of our 2 JDM cars, even though mines not technically a JDM. 🥲 Also just bought an 02 Tundra that im getting back on the road from the previous owner. Already learning a whole bunch!👍🏽 🎉

[@JDMDriveway]

Nice! Glad to hear it. It's ok, mine technically isn't JDM either lol. Thanks for watching!