How to Adjust Car Brakes?
3 Answers
Methods for adjusting car brakes: 1. Adjust the gap between left and right brakes or grind the contact surface of the brake shoes according to specifications; 2. Take the car to a repair station to check the brake system, focusing on the right front wheel's brake caliper; 3. Inspect the ball joints and rubber bushings of the front suspension. Reasons for car brakes pulling to one side: 1. Uneven braking force between the left and right sides of the same axle; 2. Different braking torque on the left and right sides of the same axle, causing unilateral braking; 3. Differences in tire pressure, tread patterns, or wear levels between the two sides can lead to different actual rolling radii of the wheels, resulting in unequal straight-line travel distances. This situation may cause the car to pull to one side even when the brakes are not applied.
Last month, I noticed my car's brakes felt a bit soft, so I tried adjusting them myself, focusing on the rear drum brakes. First, I parked the car on a safe, level surface, engaged the parking brake to secure it, and then used a jack to lift the car and removed the wheel to expose the drum brake assembly. I opened the drum brake cover to inspect the thickness of the brake shoes inside; if they were worn down to the warning line, I replaced them, and if the wear was minor, I adjusted the clearance. I turned the star adjuster at the center of the drum brake clockwise a few notches to reduce the gap, then pressed the brake pedal a few times to tighten it. After completing the adjustment, I tested the braking effect at low speeds. Adjusting too tightly can cause overheating, noise, or even lock-up, while too loose can result in weak braking. Each adjustment requires patience, and after finishing, it's important to check if the braking distance has returned to normal. It's best to perform a brake inspection every 10,000 kilometers to avoid unexpected issues on the road. Safety comes first when driving, and if you're unsure about the steps, it's more reliable to have a professional mechanic handle it.
As an experienced driver, I emphasize that brake adjustment must not be taken lightly. The adjustment method varies by vehicle: drum brake models require using specialized tools to turn the adjustment screw to reduce the gap, while disc brakes generally self-adjust and don't need manual intervention. The operation involves jacking up the car, removing the wheels, and checking brake pad wear and drum brake clearance. Proper adjustment improves brake response, but incorrect operations like over-tightening or turning the wrong direction may cause brake lock-up or failure risks. If you notice excessively long brake pedal travel or insufficient braking force during daily driving, it's time to inspect and adjust. Regular maintenance is crucial - I recommend professional brake inspection annually. Brake issues directly impact driving safety; even minor mistakes can be fatal at high speeds, which is why I strongly recommend certified technicians to ensure precision.
