Hey guys:

First, my terminology probably sucks. Hopefully you can follow.

I was trying to check my drum brakes this past weekend as I don't think they have been changed in way too long. Well it appears I was correct as I went back to them and sure enough, the drum covers are stuck on because (I think but could be wrong) that they have put a grove into the drum and need to be backed off so that the drum cover can slide off.

Well after some searching on every Ranger forum I know as well as just general google searching I think I found the adjustment screw on the drum (which I believe I need to use to back of the pads). It was under a little rubber plug on the bottom of the drum. Well it looked like it was just a little gear on a round peg. I tried to get a screwdriver in there to push on the gear a little bit but it didn't seem to want to budge either way.

Is this the correct way to back off the pads on our drum brakes? Is there something I was missing like the transmission has to be in Neutral or something goofy like that?

 

memory laps

 

Stick a Screwdriver, through to backing plate and manually turn the Adjuster. Trust me you will know if is getting tighter, if that is the case reverse directions. There should be an oval shaped hole at the bottom of the backing plate, and it may or may not have a rubber plug.



BTW especially in MN, it doesn't necessarily mean you have bad brakes that there is a groove in the drum, a lot of times it is rust that has built up where the shoes don't contact the drum.

~HJ

 

There's a little metal lever behind the adjusting gear that latches the gear in place. You need to use a second screwdriver and push that latch back to release the gear. It's a bit of a PITA to find.

 

OH! Alright that makes sense. Guess I'm gonna need a smaller set of screwdrivers. Thanks for the help guys.

 

They never come off easily, you have to spin it, and use a rubber mallat / hammer and hit on the edge of the drum......it will break it loose so you can pop it off.....

Also check to make sure those little thingys arnt on the lug nut studs that keep it on, they are a pain in the **** too.....

Rocky

 

Oh, and those adjusters freeze up all the time, so if it doesnt turn i wouldnt be suprised......when you get it off and take them apart you should take that adjuster in half and put never ceaze (sp) in it so it will turn..

Rocky

 

and dont try to do the rears with the parking brake on :)

 

take a nice size hammer and hit the drum, like between each lug, keep doing it until it pops loose. this is the most effective way.

 

^^x2 And use marine type bearing grease on the adjuster screw.Neverseize doesn't last very long if you're anywhere salt is used on the roads.