If any return, hold down, or actuating springs have
overheated or are damaged, replace them. Overheat-
ing indications are paint discoloration or distorted
end coils.
DRUM BRAKE WHEEL CYLINDER (REAR)
With brake drums removed, inspect the wheel cyl-
inder boots for evidence of a brake fluid leak. Visu-
ally check the boots for cuts, tears, or heat cracks. If
any of these conditions exist, the wheel cylinders
should be completely cleaned, inspected and new
parts installed.
If a wheel cylinder is leaking and the brake lining
material is saturated with brake fluid, the brake
shoes must be replaced.
BRAKE TUBES AND HOSES
Flexible rubber hose is used at both front and rear
brakes. Inspection of brake hoses should be per-
formed whenever the brake system is serviced and
every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes
first (every engine oil change). Inspect hydraulic
brake hoses for severe surface cracking, scuffing,
worn spots or physical damage. If the fabric casing of
the rubber hose becomes exposed due to cracks or
abrasions in the rubber hose cover, the hose should
be replaced immediately. Eventual deterioration of
the hose can take place with possible burst failure.
Faulty installation can cause twisting, resulting in
wheel, tire, or chassis interference.
The steel brake tubing should be inspected period-
ically for evidence of corrosion, physical damage or
contact with moving or hot components of the vehi-
cle.
ADJUSTMENTS
DRUM BRAKE SHOES
NOTE: Normally, self adjusting drum brakes will not
require manual brae shoe adjustment. Although in
the event that the rear brake shoes are replaced it
is advisable to make the initial adjustment manually
to speed up the initial adjustment time.
(1) Raise vehicle using a frame contact type hoist
or supported as required using jack stands. See
moisting in the Lubrication And Maintenance group
of this service manual for the required hoisting or
jacking procedure to be used for this vehicle.
(2) Remove the rubber plug (Fig. 173) from the
brake adjuster access hole in the brake support plate.
(3)
Be sure parking brake lever is fully
released.
(4) Insert a thin screwdriver through the adjuster
access hole in the brake support plate (Fig. 174).
Engage the tip of the screwdriver with the star wheel
on the automatic adjuster. Move the handle of the
screwdriver downward (toward the ground). Repeat
the above procedure until drag is felt when rear
wheel is rotated.
CAUTION: When performing the procedure in Step
5, care must be taken not to bend the adjuster actu-
ating lever or distort the lever actuating spring.
Fig. 172 Automatic Self Adjuster Mechanism And
Actuating Lever
1 – OUTBOARD FORWARD
2 – OUTBOARD REAR
3 – STAR WHEEL
4 – SELF ADJUSTER ACTUATING LEVER
5 – SELF ADJUSTER
Fig. 173 Brake Adjuster Access Hole Plug
1 – SHOCK ABSORBER
2 – BRAKE SUPPORT PLATE
3 – KNUCKLE
4 – BRAKE ADJUSTER ACCESS HOLE PLUG
JX
BRAKES
5 - 71
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)