How do you set the adjusters on drum brakes when you replace the brake linings?

Opel Astra has rear drum brakes with adjusters. I replaced the brake linings but what do I need to do with the adjusters?How do you set the adjusters on drum brakes when you replace the brake linings?If they are %26quot;self adjusting%26quot; they should have a sort of gear on them with a small arm like piece or cable that %26quot;connects%26quot; in a way to the brake linings and pulls when the brakes are applied. If this is the case, just tighten them enough to stay in place, and after pumping the brakes a few times they should have adjusted themselves. If they are not self adjusting, there should be a access hole in the front of the drum or the back of the housing you can see the adjusters through. If that's the case, put the drum on and tighten the adjusters through the hole until the brakes barely grab, then back them off about half a turn. To do this, you will probably need to use two small screwdrivers. One to turn the adjuster and one to release the the catch that holds that adjuster in place. Living in the U.S., I'm not too sure how old an Opel Astra could be, but unless it's from the 60s or 70s, it's brakes are probably self adjusting.How do you set the adjusters on drum brakes when you replace the brake linings?You'll need to adjust the shoes so that they are just dragging slightly on the drums so there isn't too much brake pedal travel before the shoes hit the drum. Usually there is a slot in the backing plate for inserting a special tool (or a screwdriver) to turn the star wheel either up or down to expand the shoes out. After you've gotten the shoes fairly snug against the drum, step on the brake pedal hard a few times to get the shoes centered in the drum, then tighten the adjusters so you can barely turn the drum, then back them off a little until there is just a slight drag.



It's always a good idea to disassemble the adjusters and clean the threads really well with a wire brush, then applying some anti-seize compound (the copper-colored stuff is the best).How do you set the adjusters on drum brakes when you replace the brake linings?Run the pads out(with the adjusters) just till the drum will slide on.This will get you into the ball-park of near ideal operation. Check your owners manual on how to allow the self-adjusting mechanism to be set during your driving it. Some manuals say that it adjusts as you back-up and others say to apply the E-brake as you back-up or move forward. Be Sure nothing is dragging or set when you expect it all to be free. If the car is driven, with the rear brakes engaged and locked, fire will ensue! Think it all through first-before you assume anything.