Drum Brakes

[tigas13]

Had to do my own rear brake job (shoes) on 2005 z71. Can anyone tell me if they self adjust or how much to adjust to get good hard pedal. Pedal feels soft right now. Any help would be appreciated.

[Sonny01]

Are the brakes softer then when you started?

[tigas13]

Yes they are.

[kahjdh]

Take the drum off then keep expanding the pads until you can barely get the drum on and there is some drag when you spin the drum. Then slap the tires back on and drive in reverse and slam on the brakes a few times. If it is still soft then something isn't right.

[tigas13]

Thanks kahjdh,

that did the trick

[rockwood84]

the vehicles with abs have a gap for drum brakes i think it is .50 you measure inside diameter of drum and adjust shoes until they are .50 under the drum measurement. then put drum on . i have noticed on the shoes that are made today that the shoes create more dust than shoes made years ago and the dust has no where to go so it rolls in front of the shoes .i take my drums off when i rotate my tires and knock the dust out. cuts down on vibrations and surges when braking.

[old_master]

Only the first brake application in reverse can move the adjuster. After that, the brakes need to be applied in forward to "reset" the shoes for the next adjustment attempt. When there is no movement of the shoes in either direction, the brakes are adjusted properly. A quick "jab" and release of the pedal is all it takes, both in forward and reverse to move the shoes and operate the self-adjusting system.