Drum Brake Self-Adjuster not working after replacing the rear drum brakes?

ERICH PETERSON

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

Replaced the rear drum brakes on a family car. However, the passenger rear self-adjuster doesn't seem to want to work, as it doesn't touch the star gear wheel. Any ideas why? See photo.

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Monday, October 14th, 2024 AT 5:49 PM

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

It must be held up somehow, do you have the parking brake arm actuator on correctly? Can I get more images to see what's going on? Please see the image below to check out what I am talking about. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 AT 10:15 AM

ERICH PETERSON

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28 POSTS

Hi,

So, I took off both wheels and drums and self-adjusters, to get a good look at them. I have the right-threaded star wheel on the passenger side and the left-threaded on the driver's. I am adding more photos with the "stopper arm" on and off. I cannot see why it doesn't want to touch the star wheel.

For reference the hardware kit used it from RockAuto: Carlson H2339

https://www.rockauto.com/?carcode=1433735&parttype=1752

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Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 AT 3:39 PM

KEN L

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47,602 POSTS

The self adjusters, the slot that works the adjuster arm looks too shallow, can you look at the old olds and compare? Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 8:45 AM

ERICH PETERSON

MEMBER
28 POSTS

Unfortunately, I don't have the originals to compare to. I might just go and buy a new set at my local auto parts store to compare with. As an aside, is there any risk if I just leave it like it is?

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Friday, October 18th, 2024 AT 8:15 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

The brake pedal will get lower and lower as the shoes wear is all. Can you use a file to remove some material so the arm can get closer to the adjuster wheel?