How to adjust drum brakes (no access to adjuster)

[nimrod.sixty9]

As you can see from the title I cannot figure out how to adjust my rear drum brakes. There is no hole nor a punch for a hole to adjust the star wheel. Only a hole that allows a view to check the wear of the shoes (looks pretty good). Ive tried a few reverse pulls to get it to self adjust; it does help, however, nowhere near good enough to take any play out of the pedal. What did you fools do to resolve this?

1999 Yukon 2WD

 

[SunlitComet]

there is a adjustment slot but is blocked from the inside. grind it off and pick up the plugs from a local parts store. that is the way they came from factory.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

there is a adjustment slot but is blocked from the inside. grind it off and pick up the plugs from a local parts store. that is the way they came from factory.

Even if its 100% flush on the outside of the backing plate?

Where is it exactly and what am I going to need to do to grind it off? Would a Dremel work or do I need something more powerful? And will I have to take everything apart to get to it?

 

[SunlitComet]

you should see from the back of plate what looks to be an oval opening but is block from inside the drum. the drum has to come off. and with a few good attachments a dremel should do fine just more time.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

you should see from the back of plate what looks to be an oval opening but is block from inside the drum. the drum has to come off. and with a few good attachments a dremel should do fine just more time.

I have battery powered Dremel; very powerful, but hoping the battery can last.

I still cannot find this oval hole. It is completely flat on the back side. I worry this is going to give me an issue in locating where to cut on the inside. Do you happen to have any pics to reference.

Also, is there anything inside I will have to remove so I can get in to cut? I know I have to remove the drum, but I absolutely hate messing with those springs.

 

[SunlitComet]

i have to see if i got pics for reference. you would have to remove the adjuster and i think one spring. is that okay?

 

[arveetek]

I would like to see some pics or more information on making the access hole as well. I've had my drums off several times to check things and adjust the brakes, and I've always scratched my head why there wasn't an adjuster hole in the backing plate. My factory service manual even tells me to adjust the brakes through the hole in the backing plate, but there's no hole there, or even a spot that looks like a punch-out?

Casey

 

[SunlitComet]

shown in the red circles. this is from a four door unit with 11 in rear brakes.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

Thanks for the pic! I'm on the cell so really can't make it out ATM.

For those looking for more info; know I will be making a full writeup on how to do this. I'll have it posted in the tech section either today or tomorrow. Bare with me as this will be my first attempt. You may have a busy Sunday

 

[SunlitComet]

remember you will only be opening one on each side. the one that gives you the closest access to the adjuster star wheel.