How to Lubricate a Drum Adjuster

Your vehicle consists of many components that work together to keep you safe on the road. Regular maintenance is important to keep your car working properly and avoid major repair bills. This includes lubricating the drum adjuster properly to keep your brakes in optimum working condition.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Solvent
• Lubricant
• Rag or air compressor

1. Clean the drum adjuster components (receiver cup and thrust washer). Spray solvent on the components to dissolve old grease. Dry off the solvent with a rag or an air compressor. Any solvent left on the components may prevent the brakes from working properly.

2. Lubricate the drum adjuster components with silicone based lubricant. Petroleum based products don't break down properly and can cause the brakes to fail. Another lubricating option is to use an anti-seize product. These products also prevent rust.

3. Reassemble the drum adjuster. Position the receiving cups on the corresponding ends of the thrust washer. Notice that one container cup contains threads and one doesn't.

4. Screw the components together and position them on the same location on the adjuster wheel where it was when you disassembled it.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a picture before disassembling the drum adjuster. This way you'll know exactly where it should go on the adjuster wheel.
• Avoid using W-D 40 and wheel bearing grease, as these products are petroleum based and can keep your brakes from functioning properly.