"Self adjusters". Need a clue

[Jeff Erwin]

OK, I will admit it first. I've forgotten how the rear drum self-adjusters are supposed to work. I seem to remember something about driving in reverse and braking, but that was 50 years ago and I honestly don't remember.

Someone?

 

[RemCharger]

They ratchet the star wheel when they reach the maximum wear/arc angle. You need to drive a lot of miles before they are needed.

 

[kiwigtx]

A good cleaning and light greasing on the threads will help them work better.

 

[MoparLeo]

Make sure the star is installed on the correct side or they will loosen the brakes.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

Yes, there are left hand and right hand threads. They have to be on the correct side of the car. Also, I don't use grease, as am afraid it will run out onto the brakes if they get hot. I have been using anti seize compound for many years on the threads as well as on the pivot ends.

 

[66Satellite47]

Self adjusters need some occasional maintenance, they need to be cleaned. A light coat of anti seize is a good idea. Left & right assembly's are different, so use a manual to get them correct. Then apply the brakes occasionally in reverse to activate them.

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

At the gas station I worked at when I was a kid we had a lot of elderly customers cars we serviced and one of my jobs was to get in the back parking lot and go fast in reverse a bunch of times to adjust the brakes and help get the peddle back up.

 

[Don Frelier]

I always check the outer edge of the drum from the shoe to the edge. File or grind until it's gone.
Adjust the star wheel until you can barely get the drum back on.
And yes a few forward and reverse braking stops should get them self adjusted.

 

[Fran Blacker]

Some cars came with manual adjusters.

 

[TN Mopar]

They do adjust when you apply the brakes in reverse
every couple of months or so I find a place I can pick up a little speed in reverse and tap the brakes
You can feel the difference in forward if the rears were loose, the pedal will be firmer

Note they do need to be in good operating order to work.