ok i know I'm gonna get crap about doing my research because this has been gone over before but i have a 95 civic coupe and im adjusting the rear drums. are they self adjusting? because the only drums iver done have a rubber plug in the back on the brake to access the star gear while the drum is still on, these have a rubber plug but it diesnt allow you to access the star gear from it. I hope someone can enlighten me because so far these things are being major pains.

 

*the skies part, the sun shines through, and I break wind*

Anytime a drum no longer self adjusts either there is no more friction material, the wheel cylinder is leaking, hardware is damaged/missing, or the self adjuster has jammed. Whenever I am inspecting the drums, I will pull the self adjusting jack screw out, clean it, regrease and reinstall.

When working or replacing drum brake components, always make sure there is no brake fluid on the parts, it attracts dust and will corrode parts. Make sure the adjuster is free to rotate, and make sure the pads where the drum shoe rides on the backing plates are smooth.

Clean all the mechanical hardware with Simple green.

Prior to installing a drum make the gross adjustment of the shoes. Place the drum on, if it can easily slide out, adjust shoes out more. You are just about spot on when you can slide the drum on, but it will not slide off.

Then while backing up apply the brakes. This will properly set the automatic adjustment.

However, drum self adjustment will not work if the self adjuster has been left fully collapsed. This is why gross adjustment should be done prior to drum installation. Also make sure that the 'start wheel' teeth are still capable of being grabbed by the self adjustment linkage. The teeth can be rounded off but look normal.

Due to the location of components, the adjustment hole is not going to be inline with the star wheel. It is also advisable to use a proper 'spoon' when adjusting the star wheel.


A similar tool can be fashioned out of an old flathead screwdriver, however the handle can often get in the way, and be a general pain in the ***.