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Simple (hopefully) question about brake adjustment |
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Ben Herman 
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Joined: 26 Apr 2018 Location: Gr Junction, CO Online Status: Offline Posts: 355 |
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 Topic: Simple (hopefully) question about brake adjustmentPosted: 04 Apr 2022 at 5:22pm |
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This is a question for you auto-mechanic types. I'm getting ready to adjust the brakes on my 2017 179, I've watched all of the how-to videos from Lippert and am confused about something. All of the diagrams and YouTube vids show a single rectangular rubber plug on the back of the drum for access, but mine have two. Before I get under there on my back, I thought I'd check and see if anyone knows how/why this differs from the standard single-access drums. Not sure if one is tighten and one is loosen, or if there is something else going on here. I've Googled and cannot find any information. Appreciate any advice/clarification.
And thanks in advance!
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JR
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Joined: 31 Aug 2018 Location: Manistee, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 345 |
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Posted: 04 Apr 2022 at 5:36pm |
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The reason for the two openings is that it make the back plate interchangeable right or left side, the star adjuster that you are looking for should be behind the opening in the rear this helps
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Jay
179/2019 |
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Ben Herman
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Joined: 26 Apr 2018 Location: Gr Junction, CO Online Status: Offline Posts: 355 |
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Posted: 04 Apr 2022 at 5:47pm |
Thx JR that does help. I'm pretty adept at most things Pod-related except for mechanical systems like brakes, axles, etc. I just didn't want to get down there and start poking around
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offgrid
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Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
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Posted: 06 Apr 2022 at 5:26am |
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Be aware that it's quite difficult to manually adjust self adjusting drum brakes. You have to get two tools in that little hole, one to pry back the tab that acts to make the star operate like a ratchet and one to pry the star around. And the star teeth are asymmetrical meaning that they like to pry in one direction which is tightening. If you wind up tightening too much you can't get the star to back off and the result is locked up brake drums that won't come off without a lot of force.
Why do you want to adjust the stars manually? Is there a brake that's too tight or not engaging? If not I'd suggest leaving them alone until you pull the wheels to inspect the shoes and repack the bearings. Then you can remove my corrosion from the adjustment system and get them set where you want them with the drums off. |
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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Ben Herman
Senior Member
Joined: 26 Apr 2018 Location: Gr Junction, CO Online Status: Offline Posts: 355 |
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Posted: 06 Apr 2022 at 9:05am |
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Thx offgrid- what caused me to go down this path was that I noticed at the end of last season that one of the drums was quite a bit hotter than the other. Once I had the unit jacked up, I didnt really notice any difference in tightness, so opted to leave well enough alone. I greased up using the zerk fittings, and will leave the brakes and bearing repack for next year to a mechanic (I dont want to get into pulling the hubs, etc myself).
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