I replaced the shoes of the rear drums of the Caravan yesterday. I spent a few minutes looking at the adjuster mechanism and I can't figure out how it works. I set the shoes without springs to simulate the service and park brake motions but the adjuster just sat there. Presumably over the life of the pads the star wheel turns to take up the slack. But what turns it? There is a lever that rests on the star wheel that serves at least the purpose of not letting the star wheel relax the adjuster. Does this lever spin the star wheel the other way? Is it only for the park brake or is it for the service brakes as well (same shoes in this case)?

Thanks,
Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

When you engage Reverse and then apply the brakes the counter rotation advances the star wheel{thanks to the built in free play} which is attached to a threaded rod that spreads the shoes incrementally,been in use since the late '20's.................get an old copy of Chilton's or Motor's manual.

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Back-up real fast and slam the brakes on!

Literally!

When I do brakes, I always add a little never seize to that threaded pin between shoes because I have seen them rust and not turn.

Well you don't need to do it fast, or slam the brakes

Have enough movement that you can apply the brakes slowly to a full stop for 30 to 50 feet. Possibly do it several times.

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KLK, MCSE

1990 500SL

I was always taught to respect my elders.
I don't have to respect too many people anymore.

Just to clarify, the question is how does the mechanism work, not how do I get it to work.

Carleton is on the track but I don't see how the wheels spinning one way or the other cause the starwheel to turn.

Thanks,
Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Both ways the starwheel will turn. Going backwards the momentum causes the brake shoes to push outward a slight millisecond so the thing will click.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman