How to Adjust the Rear Drum Brakes on a 1995 Toyota Corolla

Adjusting the rear drum brakes on your 1995 Toyota Corolla can add stability to your vehicle's entire brake system. By adjusting the rear brakes, you are taking some of the wear off the front brakes and allowing for more even stopping power. The adjustment should take no more than two hours if you have never done this procedure before. You can purchase all of the tools needed for this job at an auto parts shop or at some retail stores.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of the vehicle on both sides. Place a jack stand behind each rear wheel, underneath the axle support. Remove the two rear wheels, using a tire iron to unscrew the lug nuts.

2

Tap the front face of the brake drum with a hammer to help loosen any rust that may be binding the drum to your vehicle's rear axle hub. Do not hit the drum hard, so as not to damage either the drum or the brake components enclosed in the drum.

3

Pry the drum from side to side, until it releases itself from the brake components. Remove the drum from the vehicle and set it aside.

4

Spray aerosol brake parts cleaner onto the brake components to remove rust and debris that may be hindering the brakes from functioning properly. Spray the inside of the brake drum, as well.

5

Push the "star wheel adjuster" downward, in order to expand the brake shoes. The "star wheel adjuster" looks like a small doll rod with a metal star in the middle. Push the adjuster until it clicks a couple of times, then push the drum back on. The ideal adjustment will allow for just enough room to push the brake drum back on, with minor resistance. Repeat this step until you feel you have good resistance from the brakes, after reinstalling the drum.

6

Test the final resistance in the drum brakes by putting the wheel back on and hand-tightening the lug nuts. Spin the wheel with slight force and monitor the stopping time of the wheel. If the wheel goes around more than two or three times, then the brakes are not adjusted enough. If the wheel does not complete one rotation, the brakes are over-tightened.

7

Repeat this entire process on the opposite side of the vehicle.

8

Place wheels back on the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts to between 80 to 95 foot-pounds of torque. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.