i am a novice when it comes to drums. this is my first vehicle that had rear drums everything else had disk. The part circled in red below (adjuster cable i believe) what does this do to the function of the brakes? i had my drums apart the other day and noticed the cable had snapped. will this cause a low pedal feel?

 

Not sure but it looks like that when you release the parking brake, the rear brake adjuster is adjusted.... most cars, you back up and hit the brake to get the self adjuster to work... Looks like those adjust with the the parking brake.

 

Pictured right rear. When brakes are applied in rverse the rear brakes expands and rotates CCwise. The cable is tethered to anchor and the reaction lifts the attached lever. If clearance is sufficent the lever will contact the star wheel and cause it to rotate a small amount and adjusting the brake for less clerance with drum. Yes, will cause low brake pedal. Inadeqate or insufficent rear brake applicatin will also cause insufficent adjustments to be accomplished.

 

that is for the self adjusting brakes, if there is to much movement in the brake shoes, it is supposed to adjust a little tighter, and yes if this is broke and your brakes are out of adjustment it will make for a soft pedal.

 

^^^thanks^^^ it feels like poorly adjusted brakes and in fact it must be.

 

the best was to adjust; is to jack up till the tires are off the ground, spin by hand and adjust untill you just start to hear the shoes contact the drums

 

The replacement cable comes in the adjuster kit from Napa. I just overhauled my rear brakes including adjusters and axle seals this weekend plus put in new rear shocks. It's the first time I've ever pulled a full floating rear axle apart before but I kinda like it!... Worst part with these as with all drums is setting them up after they're installed. There's a really good sticky on this site about making a simple tool from a piece of welding rod to keep the adjuster lever away from the toothed gear which allows you to back off the shoes. I grabbed a rod and built one in a couple of minutes........ worked like a charm!

Next weekend is front shocks, balljoints (all), centre link and a new input shaft seal kit for the steering box!

should ride like new after all this plus I'll be able to get it registered! (damned government inspections)!