Drum Brake Self-Adjuster not working after replacing the rear drum brakes?

2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
140,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
ERICH PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Replaced the rear drum brakes on a family car. However, the passenger rear self-adjuster doesn't seem to want to work, as it doesn't touch the star gear wheel. Any ideas why? See photo.
Oct 14, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
It must be held up somehow, do you have the parking brake arm actuator on correctly? Can I get more images to see what's going on? Please see the image below to check out what I am talking about. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.



Oct 15, 2024 at 10:15 AM
Avatar
ERICH PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Hi,

So, I took off both wheels and drums and self-adjusters, to get a good look at them. I have the right-threaded star wheel on the passenger side and the left-threaded on the driver's. I am adding more photos with the "stopper arm" on and off. I cannot see why it doesn't want to touch the star wheel.

For reference the hardware kit used it from RockAuto: Carlson H2339

https://www.rockauto.com/?carcode=1433735&parttype=1752
Oct 16, 2024 at 3:39 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
The self adjusters, the slot that works the adjuster arm looks too shallow, can you look at the old olds and compare? Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Oct 17, 2024 at 8:45 AM
Avatar
ERICH PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Unfortunately, I don't have the originals to compare to. I might just go and buy a new set at my local auto parts store to compare with. As an aside, is there any risk if I just leave it like it is?
Oct 18, 2024 at 8:15 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
The brake pedal will get lower and lower as the shoes wear is all. Can you use a file to remove some material so the arm can get closer to the adjuster wheel?
Oct 18, 2024 at 11:16 AM