In a message dated 8/27/2007 12:12:39 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
DBlackmore@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
Does anyone know
exactly how to adjust the brakes on a 57 DeSoto Firesweep. I went to the
manual it states using the adjusting BOLT, but I remember at one time my
father using a screwdriver to do the adjustment at the bottom of the backing
plate, I don’t see a hole to do this
with.
I just finished adjusting the brakes on my 1957 Chrysler, and I am sure
that they are the same. I believe that the cams are 9/16" or so, use a
socket wrench and a hinge bar, or maybe a box end wrench. The "Brake
spoon" (Or screwdriver) is used on other brands of cars to turn a "Star wheel"
to expand the brake shoes.
Front wheels:
Looking at the brake backing plate from the inner side of the wheel you
will see one adjusting cam bolt on the front side of the wheel, and one on
the rear side. Turn these frontward, (With wheel rotation) one cam at a
time until the wheel locks, then turn them rearward just until the wheel turns
with a very slight drag. It takes very slight amount of turn to release
them.
Rear Wheels:
The two adjusting cams are at the top center of the wheel, because one
energizes with front motion and the other with rear motion. The front one
adjusts like the front wheels, to the front, but the rear one must be turned
toward the rear to adjust it.
This sounds complicated but it is actually very intuitive when you are
doing it.
If you don't understand, I can probably scan the manual page for you.
USE GOOD STANDS, DON'T TRUST A JACK WHEN YOU ARE UNDER THE CAR!
Joe
Savard
Lake Orion, Michigan
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