Over Tightened Drum Breaks

[nightrider50]

Was adjusting rear drums today. Put the drum on and started to tighten the star from the under side. Got it way too tight and now can't loosen it. Any ideas?

Seems like that adjustable wheel/rod piece will not move. Piece of cake to tighten and loosen it on the other side, but seems to be seized up.

Thanks

 

[Fordfreak93]

You can try and get small needle nose in there and try and grab the star and push it towards the outside of the car. Otherwise ride around until the shoes wear down and loosen up, lol

 

[dgollem]

Was adjusting rear drums today. Put the drum on and started to tighten the star from the under side. Got it way too tight and now can't loosen it. Any ideas?

Seems like that adjustable wheel/rod piece will not move. Piece of cake to tighten and loosen it on the other side, but seems to be seized up.

Thanks

Should be able to keep working it. They make a brake adjuster tool that is angled and works a little better than a flat head screw driver. Its easy to turn them the wrong way, if I remeber correctly they are right hand threaded but becasue of the way they sit they turn opposite of each each other. Worse case scenario I have "forced" the drums off even with the brake pretty tight, you risk breaking the spring and or keeper and damaging the shoes but it can be done. Good luck.

 

[89oem]

Are you sure the star wheel locking blade is off the wheel? If not use a small screw driver to push it off while turning the wheel...

 

[MFE92]

Are you sure the star wheel locking blade is off the wheel? If not use a small screw driver to push it off while turning the wheel...

This.

 

[mikestang63]

Sounds like you either have the star adjuster or te spring on backwards. Pull up on the E brake cable to center the shoes- that may loosen them up. If not , crack open the bleed screw and that will allow the shoes to contract.

 

[jrichker]

The star wheel has a lever that rides on it and acts as a ratchet, preventing the star wheel from loosening.
Simple fix: Use a flashlight and look in at the adjusting mechanism through the adjustment access hole. You will see the lever and the star wheel. Stick a screwdriver in the adjustment access hole and lift the lever up. Then you will be able to turn the star wheel in the loosen direction.