Drum brakes slow to work, choppy, need bleeding?

Asked by GuruNHJ7D Nov 02, 2019 at 08:25 PM about the 2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I was replacing a rear wheel bolt on my 2007 Yaris
when my dad pressed the brakes to lock the wheel
in place.  Later when putting things back together
he had to turn some little gear in the brakes as we
couldn't get the wheel disc/rotor back on because
the drum brakes were too tight.

Now the brakes have to be pushed far in before
they work well, and it's almost a little choppy when
braking.

Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks,
Michael

1 Answer

155,195

Hi Michael, the little gear is the adjustment for the brake shoes. It's called a star wheel. To properly adjust the shoes spin the tire as if the vehicle was going in reverse. Turn the star wheel, using a flat blade screwdriver or similar tool, until a heavy drag is felt on the wheel. Then turn the star wheel the opposite direction until the tire just spins freely. Repeat this at the other wheel. There's an access hole on the back of the wheel assembly to get to the star wheel. It may be covered by a rubber plug. Simply remove the rubber plug. Put the rubber plug back on when you're done. Hope that helps! Jim

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Charlsie Riley
    Reputation
    700
  • #2
    Jerry VanSickle Jr.
    Reputation
    310
  • #3
    Sharon Tombari
    Reputation
    290
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
135 Great Deals out of 2,300 listings starting at $103
Used Honda Fit
9 Great Deals out of 170 listings starting at $5,989
Used Toyota Camry
46 Great Deals out of 1,149 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Civic
198 Great Deals out of 4,034 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota RAV4
124 Great Deals out of 3,046 listings starting at $4,999
Used Toyota Prius
11 Great Deals out of 193 listings starting at $2,028
Used Toyota Matrix
6 Great Deals out of 113 listings starting at $2,990
Used Toyota Tacoma
44 Great Deals out of 742 listings starting at $9,975
Used Hyundai Elantra
157 Great Deals out of 3,058 listings starting at $1,995
Used Mazda MAZDA3
77 Great Deals out of 1,309 listings starting at $3,499
Used Hyundai Accent
20 Great Deals out of 406 listings starting at $2,550
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 973 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Avalon
3 Great Deals out of 38 listings starting at $6,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.