Drum brakes need the shoes set close to the drum for a firm pedal. If yours feel low or the self-adjuster has not kept up, a manual adjustment helps. Here is how to adjust drum brakes.
Why adjustment matters
As shoes wear, the gap to the drum grows and the pedal sinks lower; see how drum brakes work. The self-adjuster is supposed to take up that slack, but if it is sticky the shoes sit too far out; see what is a self-adjuster.
Find the star wheel
Behind the backing plate (or through the drum) is a star-wheel adjuster. With the wheel off the ground, use a brake spoon or screwdriver through the access slot to turn the star wheel, expanding the shoes toward the drum.
Set the clearance
Turn the adjuster until the shoes just drag on the drum as you spin it, then back off a few clicks until the wheel turns freely with only the slightest drag. Do both sides equally so braking stays even; uneven adjustment causes a pull.
Finish up
Confirm a firm pedal and even braking on a test drive. If the self-adjuster was seized, free or replace it so it keeps up going forward. Keep the front discs sharp with quality pads and hardware.