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
157,885

James answered 5 years ago

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.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Shortcuts

Search Toyota Yaris Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Charlsie Riley
    Reputation
    730
  • #2
    Jerry VanSickle Jr.
    Reputation
    310
  • #3
    Sharon Tombari
    Reputation
    300
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
150 Great Deals out of 2,431 listings starting at $4,690
Used Toyota Camry
63 Great Deals out of 1,075 listings starting at $3,995
Used Toyota RAV4
109 Great Deals out of 2,713 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Fit
11 Great Deals out of 219 listings starting at $4,250
Used Toyota Matrix
11 Great Deals out of 134 listings starting at $1,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
47 Great Deals out of 1,068 listings starting at $9,998
Used Honda Civic
201 Great Deals out of 4,060 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota Prius
10 Great Deals out of 162 listings starting at $4,988
Used Mazda MAZDA3
74 Great Deals out of 1,607 listings starting at $1,899

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.