Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

when adjusting the brakes to run them in do I rotate the wheel up or down?

Thanks in advance.

I presume you are referring to the star wheel on the adjuster.
There is no different adjustment to "run them in" than there is for normal operation.

Using a brake adjustment "spoon", you move the end of the spoon up to tighten the brakes until the wheel is locked. Then back off 6-8 clicks and the wheel should spin without any drag.

My procedure for adjusting brakes is to tighten the adjustment star wheel with a brake adjusting tool until I cannot move the wheel then back off the adjustment until the wheel can be turned without the brakes dragging, or with just a very light drag. You should end up with the same number of clicks to loosen the adjustment on each side, but not necessarily the same front to back. I rotate the wheel as if the car is going forward, but it probably does not make any difference. Others here may do it differently. Hope this helps.

(o[]o)

thanks all

The front and rear brakes should adjust the same. The difference between front and rear is the inside diameter if the wheel cyl which will not affect adjustment, and the width of the shoes/drums which are about 1/4" wider in front. This also will not affect adjustment.

If you emergency brake cables might affect adjustment if they are seized.