I have a 1989MGM and i need to know how to adjust rear drum brake.I amasking because two years ago i allmost fail the state inspection for having my rear brakes out of adjustment. This year i want togo their prepared. Any, suggestions are appreciated.[img]smileys/smiley14.gif[/img]

 

There are a couple of ways to do it. If you crawl under the car and look at the back side of the brake backing plate you''ll see a little rubber plug towards the bottom. Removing this plug will give you access to the ratchet ring of the brake spreader bar. All you have to do is stick a screwdriver in the hole and give the ring a couple of clicks to tighten the brakes.

If the brakes are way loose, or if the spreader was installed backwards by the last guy that did the brakes.... it may be easier to remove the brake drums and turn the spreader by hand.

 

The brakes were installed by me. What I did is take out the tires and turn the spreader by hand. I turned it until it drag a little. Then put the wheels back and whenreverse with aquick stop. I did this a few times because it said it in the chilton book.So, how my brakes are working better because i no longer get the brake light on in the dash board. I appreciateyour respond and i which i could show you photos. My laptop is missing software to reduce the photo to a smaller image. Once again , i thank you very much. Edited by: pdman

 

I don''t need a picture. I know exactly what you are talking about. Chilton''s is a great manual to follow. They are right on the money about 99% of the time.

I assume you passed the state inspection this time around?

 

I don''t have go to the state inspection until 2/09 but i think they are better than before. So, until the time come i don''t know.