I want to get some input from someone who has actually done a drum brake overhaul on a Skylark. I am trying to adjust the brakes on the front of my 66 Skylark and have tried every trick I can think of to get the adjuster to turn. Todate I have installed new shoes, new brake hardware, removed the selfadjusters and have insured that the spring that goes across the top of the adjuster is not binding. The adjuster will rotate freely when removed. I cannot get enough grip on the adjuster from under the car to make the wheel rotate, I am using a standard "brake spoon" . I am turning in the proper direction also Is there any special tool I need to buy? Today I am having my machine shop match the thickness of the spoon to the cut of the adjuster wheel to see if I can get more grip and turning power. By the way, this anin't my first rodeo, I worked as a brake tech during my college years when all cars were drums. That's why all this is so frustrating. Thanks for all your help.
the adjuster should only turn in one direction when all is properly installed, there is a bar that runs across it to prevent it from turning the other way so you don't lose your adjustment. Also good idea on the adjuster spoon. I had bought a new one and it was so round and thick where it would contact the adjuster wheel that it couldnt spin it. I had to put a a knife edge on it with the grinding wheel. Make sure that when you slip the adjuster spoon into the adjustment hole that it is actually contacting the adjuster wheel, check that with the drum off. I know on some of the new cars the adjuster wheel is so far off from the hole that you must hold the spoon at an angle or else you are just hitting the hardware (return springs), thats why I say verify you are indeed on the wheel with the drum off. One last thing, make sure the lower spring that connects lower part of the shoes is installed correctly else it will rest on the star portion of the adjuster wheel and prevent it from turning. If it turns in your hands then it should turn once installed unless something is resting on the star part or the adjuster wheel is at minimum and you are trying to turn it inwards and not outwards. Hope this helps. Allen
