1984 Chevy Truck Brake shoe adjuster lockup

120,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JIM POUMAK
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In adjusting the left rear brake shoes, I turn the adjuster sprock too far so it is in a jammed condition, and cannot back off.

Jim
Oct 29, 2009 at 7:15 AM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
Hi
Take small screwdriver put it at top of adj. slot feel anound till up hit the adj. tang then push away from star. Now it will back off.
Hope this helps
Thanks for donate
Oct 29, 2009 at 8:04 AM
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JIM POUMAK
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Thanks for your response.
A small screwdriver bends and then slips of the sprocket without a budge of the adjustment.
I tried to heat the drum with a plumbers torch to expand the drum and free the adjuster, but the drum is huge (a P30 chassis).
With the dual wheels off the ground, I tried to spin the wheels, with the engine to heat the drum, this just torqued the vehicle.
I'm thinking I may have to cut a bigger hole in the backplate to enable more torque on the sprocket.
Any other ideas?

Thanks, Jim
Oct 29, 2009 at 10:25 AM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
Maybe good idea other option is big puller and rip shoes springs hold downs off.
Oct 31, 2009 at 6:29 AM
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JIM POUMAK
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  • 2 POSTS
The solution was to use a screwdriver as a chisel and tap the sprocket.
Thanks, Jim
Oct 31, 2009 at 11:49 PM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
Now that's using the ol" hat rack.
Nov 2, 2009 at 7:41 AM
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