Maverick and Comet Repair
BRAKES - DRUM BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Drum, brakes installed in Mavericks and Comets are
self-adjusting. All that is normally required to adjust the brakes
is to apply them moderately hard several times while carefully
backing the car in Reverse. However, if this action proves
unsatisfactory, or if it proves necessary to re-adjust the brakes
after replacing the linings or removing the drum, the following
procedure may be used.
- Raise the car and support it with safety stands.
- Remove the rubber plug from the adjusting slot on the backing plate.
- Insert a brake adjusting spoon into the slot and engage the lowest possible tooth on the starwheel. Move the end of the brake spoon downward to move the starwheel upward and expand the adjusting screw. Repeat this operation until the brakes lock the wheel.
- Insert a small screwdriver or piece of firm wire (coat-hanger wire) into the adjusting slot and push the automatic adjuster lever out and free of the starwheel on the adjusting screw.
- Holding the adjusting lever out of the way, engage the topmost tooth possible on the starwheel with a brake adjusting spoon. Move the end of the adjusting spoon upward to move the adjusting screw starwheel downward and contract the adjusting screw. Back off the adjusting screw starwheel until the wheel spins freely with a minimum of drag. Keep track of the number of turns the star- wheel is backed off.
- Repeat this operation for the other side. When backing off the brakes on the other side, the adjusting lever must be backed off the same number of turns to prevent side-to-side brake pull.
- Repeat this operation on the other set of brakes (front or rear).
- When all 4 brakes are adjusted, make several stops, while backing the car, to equalize all of the wheels.
- Road-test the car.