Question Adjusting rear brake shoes

[mmafanatic36]

Need to know how to reach the star adjuster wheel, because it seems to be offset from the actual access hole. I have tried different brake spoons and none of them have an angle in which I could reach the adjuster wheel. I spoke with a technician and he recommended using a small screwdriver. Has anyone had this problem, and if so any advice would be greatly appreciated

[MEvang]

A screw drive has always worked best for me. Some times its just getting use to what angle you need to get at with the tool. Practice turning the star wheel a few clicks while you have the drum off and can see what your are doing. You'll find it's then much easier when the drum is installed.
Mike

[mmafanatic36]

Originally Posted by MEvang

A screw drive has always worked best for me. Some times its just getting use to what angle you need to get at with the tool. Practice turning the star wheel a few clicks while you have the drum off and can see what your are doing. You'll find it's then much easier when the drum is installed.
Mike

Thanks for the info. I have another question. My corolla had aftermarket brakes on the front installed on it when I purchased it years ago. I've replaced brake pads several times on other vehicles, but not with an ABS system. My question is do I need to relieve the pressure on the system by some technique and do I need to take some brake fluid out of the master cylinder before I compress the caliper (replacing pads and rotors),and is there any reason to bleed the brakes at the calipers? Also, my new brakes came with 2 wear indicators (squealers is what I've always known them as) where do I put them - top or bottom of pad and inside pad or outside. The research I've done online is very confusing and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Big_Al1]

Yeah I found its much easier to do it with the drums off and that way you get them just right,also gives you a chance to keep brake dust build up to a minimum.Cleean while you adjust.

[MEvang]

Originally Posted by mmafanatic36

Thanks for the info. I have another question. My corolla had aftermarket brakes on the front installed on it when I purchased it years ago. I've replaced brake pads several times on other vehicles, but not with an ABS system. My question is do I need to relieve the pressure on the system by some technique and do I need to take some brake fluid out of the master cylinder before I compress the caliper (replacing pads and rotors),and is there any reason to bleed the brakes at the calipers? Also, my new brakes came with 2 wear indicators (squealers is what I've always known them as) where do I put them - top or bottom of pad and inside pad or outside. The research I've done online is very confusing and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

You don't need to relive any pressure as there is none stored in the system. It has been a common practice to open the bleeder, then push the pistons in when dealing with ABS. This is to prevent pushing crude back into the ABS unit. Most modern ABS systems have screens that prevent this, and I have never seen a problem from just simply pushing the pistons back.
I do recommended removing the master cylinder lid before retracting the piston. If there is too much fluid, it will be pushed out. Also make sure that after pumping up the brakes that the fluid level is only up to the Max line. Brake fluid will expand, so it need a little room in the reservoir.
You don't not need to bleed the brakes, but if your fluid is older then 3-4 years you may want to consider replacing it.
As a rule the wear sensors always go opposite the rotation of the rotor when driving forward. Most times they will go on the inside, but they can go on the outside if there is no interference.
Mike