Rear brake shoe adjustment

[jmai]

I have a 2001 Roadtrek 190 on a Dodge chassis and need to install new rear brake drums.

I need to release (move inward) the brake shoes to get the drum off.

Which way do you turn the star wheel adjuster inside the drum assembly to move the shoes inward? If I remember correctly the directions are different for the driver and passenger side.

Thanks in advance

[Bruceper]

You do not need to move it. Put the brakes on and then drive in reverse, they will automatically tighten.

This is the old school way to do it. I assume it still works as drum brakes haven't really changed much in 50+ years

[booster]

He needs to get the drums off, which is often the hard part, at least for me.

Normally, you would reach in with the adjusting spoon to turn the star wheel to loosen the adjuster. Sometimes you also have to reach in with a small screwdriver to push the ratchet off the wheel as the same time. If old a rusty, it can be a real adventure. I once had to cut the brake drum to get it off.

I think on Dodges the spoon would be moved up to loosen, but it has been a long time, so not certain. The ratchet latch is usually on the inside of the wheel, so that makes sense.