Which Way to Turn the Adjuster on Drum Brakes

Turn the star wheel so the shoes expand until you feel a slight, even drag on the drum; on most vehicles that means clockwise on the passenger/right side and counterclockwise on the driver/left side when adjusting through the backing-plate slot. Because adjusters are “handed” (left- and right-threaded), always confirm by feel: if the drum tightens, you’re turning the correct way; if it loosens, reverse direction. Below is a clear guide to help you identify the correct direction and adjust safely.

Why the Direction Differs

Drum brake adjusters are mirror images side-to-side. The right/passenger side typically uses a right-hand thread; the left/driver side typically uses a left-hand thread. That means the same rotation of the star wheel will lengthen (expand) the adjuster on one side and shorten (retract) it on the other. In addition, you may be accessing the star wheel through a slot in the backing plate, which reverses your leverage compared with looking straight at the adjuster.

How to Identify the Correct Direction on Your Vehicle

Use the following checks to be certain you are turning the star wheel the right way without guesswork. These methods work regardless of vehicle make or model.

• Feel test: Spin the drum by hand and turn the star wheel a few clicks at a time. If the drum rotation gains drag, you’re expanding (tightening). If it frees up, you’re retracting (loosening).
• Side rule of thumb: For most vehicles, turning the star wheel clockwise on the right/passenger side expands; turning clockwise on the left/driver side retracts. Counterclockwise does the opposite.
• Look for markings: Many adjusters or backing plates are stamped with “L” or “R” and arrows indicating “Tighten.” Follow the stamped arrow.
• Watch the adjuster length: If you can see the adjuster screw, turn the star wheel so the adjuster body grows longer between the shoes—that’s expanding/tightening.
• Follow the self-adjuster lever: The lever only moves in the tightening direction when the parking brake or reverse-brake application triggers it. Mimic that direction with your tool.

By combining the side rule of thumb with a quick feel test, you can confirm the correct direction in seconds and avoid over-adjustment.

Step-by-Step: Adjusting Through the Backing Plate

Use this procedure to safely set shoe-to-drum clearance when the drum is installed. It ensures smooth braking and proper self-adjustment afterward.

1. Secure the vehicle: Park on level ground, chock wheels, and set the parking brake off. Lift the axle and support it on stands; remove the wheel.
2. Access the star wheel: Remove the rubber plug at the bottom of the backing plate to expose the adjuster.
3. Insert a brake spoon or flat screwdriver: Engage the star wheel teeth through the slot.
4. Turn in small increments: On most cars, rotate clockwise on the right side and counterclockwise on the left to expand. Spin the drum after every few clicks.
5. Aim for slight, even drag: Continue until the drum just starts to rub consistently all the way around.
6. Back off slightly: Retract 6–10 clicks (varies by vehicle) so the drum spins freely with only a faint, occasional whisper of contact.
7. Repeat on the opposite side: Match the feel so both sides have similar drag, then reinstall the rubber plugs and wheels, torque lug nuts properly, and test-drive.

This process sets the initial clearance and lets the self-adjuster maintain it, minimizing brake pull and uneven wear.

If You’re Adjusting With the Drum Off

When the drum is removed, you can see the adjuster screw assembly, which makes direction obvious.

• Turn the star wheel so the adjuster assembly becomes longer between the shoes to expand; turn the opposite way to retract.
• After refitting the drum, verify with the feel test and fine-tune through the backing-plate slot.

Visual confirmation with the drum off is the most straightforward way to avoid directional mistakes before finalizing the adjustment.

Common Pitfalls and Practical Tips

A few typical missteps can lead to poor braking performance or rapid wear. Keep these in mind as you adjust.

• Over-tightening: If the drum won’t turn freely after backing off a few clicks, you’ve adjusted too tight. Excess heat and glazing can result.
• Uneven sides: Different drag from left to right can cause pull. Always match the feel on both sides.
• Ignoring the parking brake: A sticking or misadjusted parking brake cable can mask your adjustments. Ensure the cable moves freely.
• Skipping shoe centering: After initial expansion, tap the backing plate lightly or spin the drum and apply the brake once to center the shoes, then recheck drag.
• Forgetting the plug: Always reinstall the rubber access plugs to keep dust and moisture out.

Addressing these points during the job helps ensure consistent braking, longer lining life, and fewer return visits to the wheel end.

Safety and When to Stop

If the drum won’t go back on, the adjuster is too long—retract a few turns. If you hear grinding, feel pulsation, or see fluid, stop and inspect for worn shoes, scored drums, leaking cylinders, or misrouted springs. When in doubt, consult the service manual for your exact model or seek professional help.

Summary

Turn the drum-brake star wheel in the direction that expands the adjuster until you feel a light, uniform drag, then back off a few clicks. On most vehicles, that’s clockwise on the right/passenger side and counterclockwise on the left/driver side when accessed through the backing-plate slot. Always confirm by spinning the drum: more drag means you’re tightening; less drag means you’re loosening.

Which direction to turn drum brake adjuster?

To adjust drum brakes, you turn the star wheel to spread the brake shoes outward until you feel a slight drag on the wheel. The specific direction you turn the star wheel to tighten it depends on the brake’s orientation and whether it’s a self-adjusting or manual system, but it generally involves rotating the notched wheel to expand the adjuster assembly. Once tight, you back it off a few clicks, allowing the wheel to spin freely with only a light resistance.
 
Tools and Preparation

1. Jack up the vehicle: on the side you are adjusting so the wheel can spin freely. 
2. Locate the access hole: on the brake backing plate, usually covered by a rubber plug, and remove it. 
3. Insert a brake spoon or flathead screwdriver: into the hole and engage the star wheel. 

How to Tighten the Brakes

1. Identify the star wheel’s notches: and the direction that makes the adjuster expand the brake shoes. 
2. Turn the star wheel: by moving your tool like a lever, allowing it to click into the next notch. 
3. Spin the wheel: after each few clicks to feel for resistance against the brake shoes. 
4. Continue adjusting: until the wheel has a light drag but still spins easily. 

How to Loosen the Brakes

1. If you’ve over-tightened or need to back off the adjustment, you may need to use a second screwdriver to disengage the adjuster’s lever or pawl, which prevents it from turning the other way. 
2. Turn the star wheel in the opposite direction: to loosen it until the wheel spins without drag. 

Finalizing the Adjustment

1. Replace the rubber plug: to keep dirt and water out of the brake assembly. 
2. Repeat the process: for the other side of the vehicle, ensuring both brakes are adjusted equally. 
3. Test the brakes: with a test drive, listening for any excessive noises or lack of braking power. 

This video demonstrates the entire process of adjusting drum brakes: 1mStevestonmotorcoYouTube · Feb 18, 2018

Which way do you turn a brake barrel adjuster?

Tighten or loosen the barrel adjuster by turning it clockwise or anti-clockwise. This will increase or decrease tension in the cable. Once you’ve tightened or loosened the barrel adjuster accordingly, give the brake lever another squeeze to see if it’s fixed the issue.

Which way to turn the adjuster on trailer brakes?

To adjust trailer drum brakes, insert a screwdriver into the access hole, and pry the star wheel upward to tighten the brakes and expand the shoes, or pry it downward to loosen the shoes. Adjust the wheel until the tire starts to drag, then back off the adjustment slightly so the wheel spins freely with just a light drag or scraping sound. Repeat this process for all wheels, ensuring they are all adjusted evenly.
 
This video demonstrates how to adjust trailer brakes using a screwdriver: 1metrailer.comYouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Steps to Adjust Drum Brakes

1. Prepare the trailer: Lift the trailer with a jack so the wheel can spin freely, and place jack stands under the frame for safety. 
2. Locate the adjustment hole: Remove the small rubber plug from the brake access hole on the back of the brake assembly to gain access to the star wheel adjuster. 
3. Tighten the brakes: Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver or brake adjustment tool into the star wheel. 
4. Adjust the shoes: 
   • To tighten: Push the handle of the tool downward, which pries the star wheel upward. 
   • To loosen: Pry the tool’s tip downward, which moves the star wheel in the opposite direction. 
5. Check for drag: Rotate the wheel while adjusting the star wheel until you hear a slight dragging sound. 
6. Back off the adjustment: Loosen the star wheel by turning it in the opposite direction just enough so the wheel spins freely but still has a very slight drag. 
7. Repeat for all wheels: Perform the same adjustment on the other wheel on the same axle and then on the wheels of the other axle. 
8. Replace the cover: Once adjusted, place the rubber plug back into the access hole to protect the brakes from dirt and debris. 

What direction do you turn slack adjusters on brakes?

Application as you saw here when we did this one. Here. So you release the locking sleeve over the nut turn the adjusting nut so the S cam rotates in the same direction as a brake. Application.