How to adjust the brakes?
4 Answers
If the free travel of the brake pedal gradually increases, stop the car and press the brake pedal firmly to restore it. If the free travel of the brake pedal is inherently large from the factory, there is only one place to adjust it: there is an adjustment screw on the push rod between the vacuum booster and the brake master cylinder.
I think it's necessary to check the brakes every time during routine maintenance, mainly for driving safety. After driving for a long time, uneven wear on the brake pads or loose lines can easily cause sluggishness, making the pedal feel less responsive. First, use a jack to stabilize the car securely—operating on level ground feels safer. Before checking, test the pedal feel; if it's too soft, there might be insufficient brake fluid or air bubbles, which requires a professional shop to handle. For adjustments, disc brakes usually don’t need frequent tweaking, but drum brakes can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the screws yourself—use a wrench gently to avoid damage. Regularly check the thickness; if only one-third remains, it’s time to replace them, otherwise, you risk strange noises or severe heat fade while driving. Last year, I experienced a situation where the brakes failed, and the tires even started smoking—it was terrifying. Since then, I spend some time checking them monthly, which saves a lot of worry. Remember, safety comes first—if you don’t understand something, don’t force it; ask for help instead.
Brake adjustment is actually quite crucial, as it can prevent a lot of troubles. As someone who drives frequently, I feel that when the brakes are too soft, rear-end collisions are more likely, especially on highways. If you're doing it yourself, preparation is key: gather wrenches, gloves, and a light. First, remove the wheel and check the brake disc for cracks or unevenness, then inspect whether the brake line is loose. For drum brakes, slightly tighten the adjustment wheel clockwise while testing the brake pedal feel as you adjust. Also, pay attention to the brake fluid—top it up or replace it if it's low. I recommend beginners not to tinker blindly; instead, visit a 4S shop first and let a professional teach them. While driving, watch out for unusual noises or delays in braking—those are adjustment signals. Early intervention saves repair costs and can even save lives. Once, during rainy weather, I braked too late and hit a wall, costing over a thousand in repairs—a painful lesson.
I love DIY car repairs, and adjusting brakes is a basic skill. Simple steps: Park the car and turn off the engine to ensure safety, then lift the car with a jack. Open the hub cover to access the drum brake adjustment hole, and use a wrench to turn the adjustment screw—tightening it slightly will make the brakes respond faster, but avoid overdoing it to prevent overheating. Disc brakes usually adjust automatically, unless you need to reset them after replacing new pads. When testing, drive a few meters at low speed and apply the brakes to check the response. Just have the right tools ready, and it won’t take much time. Also, make sure the brake fluid level is at the standard mark. Regular adjustments help maintain efficiency and save energy. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes at first; experience will come with practice.
