How To Adjust Your Drum Brakes

[@victorthecarguy3126]

Thanks for the video, you're the only one on the internet who could pull off having a zip tie around your head without it looking out of place.

[@bleepinjeep]

Glad I could help

[@daniellinehan7164]

I'm not the only one who noticed his dang tie wrap

[@andrewdees5934]

Where do i buy the head zip tie? Thats looks essential

[@Organplayer1947]

FROM HIS WEB SITE!!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

You must belong to the Zip Tie Indian tribe...

[@guitarazz]

Ah yes that's a fine item

[@bdyt]

First time here and I'm like, is that a zip tie on his head 🤔😆

[@johnlacambra6004]

Make sure it's really tight on your head, trust me you do not want it loose enough to accidentally fall down to your neck.

[@niopress5162]

Great video dude, didn't go too good the first time for me.then i figured out why,so i went to the store and bought the cable tie for my head, and it was so easy the 2nd time around. didn't get the same colour though,but a green one worked fine. thanks dude !!

[@violagentsch]

🤣

[@TheHeadlessHorseman]

I have a slight problem, I have all the tools necessary to do the job except for the large cable tie. Can I perform this job without using the cable tie on my head?

[@bleepinjeep]

The Headless Horseman No, I think you'll need the cable tie!

[@ItsNotAllRainbows_and_Unicorns]

+BleepinJeep I have been using a black tie, and I think that's why my rear brakes always acted funny

[@WILSON.1]

I don't have the cable tie either!!! AAHHHH!!

[@snowboarddude117]

I didnt even notice that... my word thats why I can never do anything correctly.

[@hayden1234ish]

I have a set of different size cable ties. What width tie should I use and what torque should it be tightened to? Also cheers mate very helpful guide with no random anecdotes or vehicle specific instructions.

[@losmoore3358]

The only video that tells u which direction to tighten or loosen the drum brakes. Thank u.

[@lewishorton1426]

Excellent video. Told me everything I needed to know to loosen my brakes. I didn't see another video that clearly explained this. Thanks Friend!

[@jongoffinet8511]

Just replaced all the hardware, brake shoes and drum. Need to adjust and this video is just what I needed. Thanks!

[@markszostak5808]

Awesome video Matt! Spent the entire day changing the shoes and drums but was wondering about the initial adjustment. I never noticed the little rubber plug. Everything you explain about the Jeep has helped me greatly over the last several years. Thanks for your efforts.

[@filonin2]

Great video! Thank you so much for mentioning that the self adjuster is supposed to work in reverse. I did a little more research and the XJ adjusts when you brake HARD in reverse, which never happens. I went out and did it 6 times in my driveway and I went from no rear brakes at all to perfect without having to lift a tool!

[@andrewgomezag]

I dont even know why i watch other channels. I always come back to your vids. You always have Everything i need to know.

[@peterfaggella3767]

Fantastic video. I showed this one as part of a virtual lesson for my Automotive students.

[@Cfass1]

If you can’t adjust your brakes you can always lower the zip tie around your neck and pull

[@elcamino6954]

😂😂bro not helping

[@JeramyM506]

Zip tie seems to be doing its job, you spoke clear and concisely.

[@Spanovich008]

Freakin' GREAT video man! Never knew adjusting drum brakes was so simple until now. Going to try this on my 1993 ZJ.

[@yung-megafone]

I didn't have a large cable tie so I put a bunch of small ones together, worked perfect. But for real, thank you. I have been worried about how tight my shoes should be for a while, watching this helped me dial them in

[@christianjoplin1956]

By far the best video of drum brake adjustment. Much appreciated!

[@CrashTestDave]

My forehead is turning purple. Thanks for the video.

[@metalmoto]

My brakes were so rusted, the star wheel was seized. And I don't believe they were working at all. I decided to replace everything. The shoes, star wheel, springs and all of the other hardware. Also replacing the wheel cylinders too. I've never seen brakes so rusted before. Jeep must of been sitting for a very long time before I bought it. Thanks for the great video!

[@jeremiahcompton8306]

Best video i seen yet on this.

[@buzzsparker]

Thank you SO much. I've had my car in the air for almost a week because I accidentally started a brake job with my parking brake on. I had no idea how to loosen it enough to get rotors on it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@ejer.]

Man, keep detailing like that, that is awesome.

[@ddhts]

That was one of the more informative vids I saw on brakes. Tell them that they need that plug to prevent the nasty dust from getting back in--thanks.

[@jgutie4377]

And guess who has working rear breaks now....this guy! This also helped with my hand brake.

[@waiting4aliens]

Good shot of the brakes, also used on Dodge d 150 Pickup, 11 inch from 84 to 93. Thank you.

[@HMDickson]

I ain't believing he pulled a rear axel just to make this video!!!! That is commitment!!!

[@delljohnson172]

he must have been replacing axle seals you dont pull axles to adj brakes ..😉

[@davisdavis3406]

enjoyed the show

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

Me 0:00: "Who's this fool with a zip tie on his head?!" Me 0:30: "Everybody shut up, I'm learning!!"

[@julianyoule-white7675]

Bravo! This is the best video on the subject on the internet. Thank you.

[@lawrencemashak8285]

Thanks Bleepin Jeep. Excellent demonstration.

[@bewell4743]

Thank you for the video. What was critical is putting it in reverse and breaking or pushing the emergency break.

[@lauriecarter8931]

Premo my man can't tell it any simpler than that thanks for explaining.

[@72superlead]

Thanks for the tutorial. I adjusted mine a few clicks tighter before leaving on a trip. 500km in I smelled burning at the wheel and it was really hot. Adjusted it back about 25 clicks and it still makes a sound as though the shoe is touching slightly but the heat is gone. Not sure if I should replace this one now or if it's likely ok? And if I need to adjust both sides equally or this is ok

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Much better video than I thought it would be!

[@asslowshop396]

You saved my ass, all of a sudden my truck wouldn’t roll. I watched your video and it all makes sense, thank you.

[@Organplayer1947]

The ZIP tie on the head is like the string mom would tie to your finger to help you remember to buy milk from the market you usually past by on your bike every day. But I would forget to buy the milk (NOT) in favor of a Mounds bar and an Ice Cream sandwich! Mom would ask 'Did you get the milk?" And as I always was quick to think on my feet I'd say, "Gee mom. That finger on which you tied the string was the 'You get what makes you happy sweetheart!" finger!!!!" …..Ah.....We had StarLac (powered milk) that night!!! Thanks mom!!!!!

[@kickprod1]

Video helped big-time

[@davidraba3781]

If your brakes are adjusted properly look above the rear driveshaft. There is a but on a long rod that connects the e-brake lines to the handle, taker a socket and ratchet and screw the nut in till the e-brake tightens up. This is for an XJ if that is what you were asking for.

[@kountryedge]

Anyone still here? Great video but I have a question, when you adjusted it, why would you want a drag, where it sounds like the breaks are rubbing (too close) to the drum?

[@phajej1993]

Im going to set mine a little looser than this guy showed us.

[@RavenRedwood]

If your adjuster isn't functioning, keeping it's threads absolutely positively spotless may be all you need to resolve it. On Jeeps the action required is cycling pressure on either shoe i.e. forward and reverse movement with hard braking (not the parking brake, which only spreads the bottom of the shoes) should ratchet the adjuster, assuming it's been set as shown here. You'll hear the faint clicking. I always just adjust them manually every now and then though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Edit - according to Chilton's guide: _"Drive the vehicle forward and make one forward stop followed by a reverse stop. Repeat the procedure 8-10 times to equalize adjustment between the two sides. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop each time. Rolling stops will not activate the self-adjuster mechanism."_

[@Besenwesen87]

thanks you helped a german guy a Lot! Now i know how to get my Impala back in order

[@nirtime]

Thank you for the video. I did this today on a Toyota and its obviously much easier on a Jeep with the adjuster being to the bottom rather than at the top.

[@davidbrown-vd5wo]

Drinkinh game! Take a shot whenever he says "Adjust" or "Adjuster"!

[@misterservicepro9407]

the first few seconds I thought you had on a white bandana on your head I was about to say Thug Life😂😂😂😂

[@andrewm5190]

On my car when I pull the hand brake all the way up the car still moves. Even with the handle up I can push it forward and backwards. Are my rear brakes out of adjustment or are they worn. Also when driving and I hit the brake does that also mean that the rear brakes aren't working if they are out of adjustment?

[@A70M1CN1NJ4]

Ever consider doing a quarter panel cut and fold? It gets rid of that stupid rust pocket behind the rear tires, and looks cool as hell.

[@ronaldscott781]

Ahhhh. I see ur in the “salt belt” like me. Nice vid!

[@AlexSWorlder]

Thank you for your useful video. Your KZbin video very informative about adjusting brake drum. May God bless. Again, you're the hero..! Thank you, Sir...!

[@thestranger.]

so doing this will adjust the handbrake too ?

[@stephenrumer6953]

your videos rock!! thank you, they've helped me more than anyone elses so far.

[@hermanbaker41]

Thanks for the awesome video!!! I need this refresher for my 76 Ford Elite.

[@billucf96]

Excellent explanation...thank you

[@bleepinjeep]

You are welcome!

[@EYE_SPIDER]

Good video Broski!

[@kylehuse2397]

great video. I thought I was going to have to change my brakes and all I needed to do was adjust it. thank you!

[@brandonbohon8464]

This dude knows his jeeps.

[@blestplays]

1st time here and the zip is catchy asf

[@doddieb]

I have done many of these on different autos and BJ is right on.

[@mikef.1000]

Great explanation, thanks Matt... I wondered what was wrong with my brake system, and I see that a whole lot of parts are missing 😕 Looks like I'll be searching for parts... again...

[@penampungbmbyjoeydelorean59]

Do I need a big zip tie around my head for this procedure?

[@zeeus72]

sure..😂

[@HMDickson]

yep

[@7jack7]

It's like cat whiskers. It prevents head bumps.

[@penampungbmbyjoeydelorean59]

I tried it...worked like a charm! Now where is the video for removing the zip tie?

[@7jack7]

Why would you want to disable an anti-head-bumping device? I wear mine everywhere. I like it so much better than than the football helmet I used to wear.

[@captainhowdy9557]

I feel like pulling that zip tie reallllllly fucking tight 🤫🤯

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

Is that your tactical zip tie in case you get stranded on the trail and need to repair your bleepin Jeep?

[@ghost2coast296]

you just solved the mystery of the clips left over in my brake parts kit. Covers for those little slots, the van didn't have them when I started. Googling "little black clip in brake parts" didn't help much

[@scabscar89]

Do you need to bleed the rear breaks when changing the pads?

[@lazyh-online4839]

On mine, the self adjuster is on the top beneath the wheel cylinder, there is no slot to reach a screwdriver in and adjust it with the drum assembled. If I leave enough room for the drum to fit over there is too much play and the pedal is squishy, if I adjust it tighter then there isn't enough clearance due to a slight "lip" worn into the edge of the drum. It's a Buick LeSabre and if I can't find a way of adjusting these properly I'm thinking of turning the lip off of the drums but I'm nervous about turning these on the off chance that I'll damage them, especially since I already exceeded my repair budget and dug into my two week grocery budget to make these repairs.

[@camarojay7027]

Before you adjust you have to have your parking break off right?

[@feero9680]

I might have missed it but does the parking brake have to be engaged when adjusting the gear thingy

[@floridaoutdoordiscoveries8301]

Does my truck have to be in neutral to do the spin/fit check?

[@datducle]

Can you explain why you want a slight drag with brake pedal released?

[@kappy0405]

They won't do anything at all if they're any looser than that.

[@monkfish128]

Cool headband!

[@JoeBlowski]

Properly adjusted brake shoes do not rub on drums... which is impossible as shown in this video without the axle/hub installed to hold the drum perfectly centered. With the drum off, turn the adjuster wheel until the drum will not fit over the shoes, and then back it off a little at a time until the drum can go on and rotate without rubbing on the shoes. The purpose of self adjusting systems is to compensate for shoes wearing down which is accomplished with abrupt stops while backing up, or maybe in some systems by applying the park/emergency brake. Removing a drum that has been in service often requires reducing the adjustment through the slot in the back so it's wise to teach yourself how to do that with the drum removed which as described in the video is best done with one tool to turn the wheel while another tool is holding the blade away from the wheel. Screw drivers work, but there are tools made for adjusting that work better. Usually (if not always) there are right hand thread adjusters on one side of the vehicle and left hand on the other and they should be installed cleaned and lubricated.

[@anthonyjohn3446]

Hi, do I need to adjust both of the drum brakes?

[@Thescruffydog]

There it is Matt!!!

[@sajithm.s3344]

Thanks bro..very useful video

[@welcome2cali946]

Do.u have to have the e brake on while u adjuste them

[@kg0173]

So its ok that it rubbs a little?

[@paintballbot]

is the zip tie holding holding your hair on?

[@anthonykuhns7714]

If the axle was implace, is this the correct amount of wheel turn ? I'll be finishing up a rear brake on a cj7 tomorrow.

[@umangu]

Do we need to do this on the front drums as well?

[@MechamMachoTA]

Really good video. Thanks for putting it up.

[@lou-ly1em]

Thanks outing together a 68 gmc your teaching helps

[@godgirlsguitars]

Is the emergency brake supposed to be set when you do this or no?

[@nestorriera]

I need the answer to this question!!!!

[@kappy0405]

No

[@panasonicchrome7915]

Realy good Video Sir 😎👍 Thank you very much ☺️😀

[@TommAceAZ]

Thanks for the video, gonna try this on my 67 C20. Can't get my Parking brake to catch. Everything is hook up and tighten but won't grab when the hand brake is engaged. Hopefully just needs the adjustment, cross our fingers.

[@johnnysauve2767]

Working on my 67 c20 as well! That's what brought me here. Good luck !

[@whez08]

If you leave it too loose (like almost no drag) would it still self adjust? I think that's what I did.

[@shawnoandrew]

Which direction tion do I need to turn star to close in closer?

[@ryans413]

I know this is old but if you could comment or someone comment. I redid my entire drum brake assembly cause it needed to be done. What a pain in the ass but I got it all back together and checked my work and seems okay. Took the car for a ride and man the brake pedal felt soft too me it felt like only the front brakes where braking. And then I found my handbrake didn’t even hold the car. So do I just have to adjust them more. Plus the brake pedal kept making suction sound and never really seemed to be getting hard just like have pressure is this also a result of the drum brakes need to be adjusted more.

[@JakelaWeeze]

The zip tie is to keep all that knowledge secure

[@truckhogs]

Great video ! Thanks! I have a question - are the adjuster screws designated as right side /left side? It doesn't look like they can be put on the wrong way. A guy is telling me that the adjusters on my 1990 Blazer are on the wrong side of each wheel. My adjusters look just like yours on this video . I told the guy I think mine are on there the right way. ? Help!

[@harvestblades]

On my daughters 2000 XJ the brakes where fine then all of a sudden she had no braking pulling and brake pedal to the floor into a parking spot. Would out of adjust drums cause that? I replaced the master cylinder which did seem to be leaking internally, and bled the brakes but same issue.

[@garrickwelsh6793]

Is it ok if a piece broke off the adjuster

[@Jeepencias]

Awesome took me hours to find a good video of the Jeep rear rotos those things are a pain in the @$$! Awsome post thanks!

[@baseman1341]

where do you want the wheale to be at for movement when adjusting, I have mine at a little drag because my thinking was not to wear down the pads to much so the go half around then stop

[@raymondjamison2440]

There are no springs inside of brake cylinder. There are two pistons that move out from center of cylinder. Also bottom gear it called a Star gear that expands brake shoes out or in depending on if you're taking off or after you have replaced brake shoes and replacing drum. I know this for a fact because I own 1990 Ford Bronco XLT and it has rear drum brakes. Replaced them a few time over the years. Also I have owned a 1967 Ford F100 and it all drum brakes. Got really good at mech work on all my vehicles. If you ever have a question on Ford vehicles especially trucks or Broncos ( 1988-1990) just ask. I'll be more than happy to help. My main vehicle is my 1990 Ford Bronco XLT 4x4 . 351 Windsor(5.8L)EFI, E40D tranny, 1356 Borg Warner transfer case

[@KK-qx5ys]

Excellent work. Very informative video.

[@AlexandriaTheGreat]

Instead of replacing it right away, is it an option to oil or lube it? I am going to be doing this soon and I was wondering if cleaning a bit of the crud off and lubricating it was an option. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!

[@darrentylor5473]

You could always take it out and deep clean it and then lube it up a bit... Just don't go to ham as you don't want excessive oil on your pads

[@AlexandriaTheGreat]

@@darrentylor5473 thank you

[@tathanbailey6225]

Did backing it off like that damage the gear? that clicking sound didn't sound very healthy

[@fvrrljr]

I didn't take off wheels from drum to adjust SMH That's what I was doing wrong! Zip tie comments are killing me LOL

[@jamesware5100]

first thing i noticed..but it didnt make sense until i realised he is really smart so i guess the zip tie is to keep his brain from getting too big.

[@cactusladysouth1000]

How can you tell if the adjuster is adjusting itself when you put it in reverse?

[@illuaions]

Do both rear tires have to be off the ground in order to spin the hub/tire? Have driver rear tire of ground only and it won't spin.

[@EricMdy]

I’m having an issue. I replaced my drum brakes in the wheel cylinder all the springs. The adjusters looks good but the larger drum brake pad on my driver side is rubbing on the drum and it’s getting hot and I can smell the brake pad and I can feel heat coming from the rim and I don’t know what the problem is.

[@janicerogers6946]

Thank you much for this very detailed video!

[@kingblack5296]

Spot on brother👌👌