Expert: Brad Sears - 3/16/2008

Question
Restoring '59 Plymouth.  First mechanic I went to couldn't solve locking of drum brakes.  Second mechanic solved problem (by turning drums) but claims he can't locate way to adjust, so that I need to press brake pedal virtually to the floor to stop (first mechanic had said brakes do not self-adjust, but said there was a way to adjust).  Because many mechanics simply will not work on drum brakes, I can't just "go on down the road" to next mechanic.  There must be a way to adjust '59 Mopar drum brakes (correct?).  Where should I tell present mechanic to look?  Any help will be greatly appreciated (many months and dollars trying to fix these brakes -- very frustrating at this point).  Thanks.

Answer
I can see where a young technician (under 60) would be a little miffed by at least the front brake dual wheel cylinder brakes on your MOPAR. But there are adjustments on those brakes. There are two cam adjusters on each front wheel near the wheel cylinders. They will push each shoe out into contact with the drum. To adjust the front wheels turn the adjuster in the direction of wheel rotation until the wheel just stops turning. Then back the adjuster off until the wheel is free of drag.  If you cannot stop the wheel from turning with the adjuster cam then it is a pretty good indication that the drum is oversized and needs to be replaced. The rear brakes are adjusted by each adjuster down when the wrench is installed parralell to the ground pointing away from the axle. Turn them down until the wheel stops and then loosen till the wheel turns with little or no drag.