Drum shoe wear

We dont need no stinkin 15 clicks! LOL...

Always did it by feel. Turn the star wheel opposite direction just until theres the slightest drag.
THEN...When backing up, the self adjuster (in theory) should adjust out just a slight bit more so theres no drag....just perfect.

Does it actually work that way? Seems like it has for me on every drum brake vehicle Ive had. But I have no scientific data to back it up.

The fact is that the self adjusting only works properly IF the initial and periodic adjustment is performed correctly.


Edit...I believe you about your shoes being worn out at 21k, but man thats awfully short lifespan for shoes.

 

My 2007 has 229,000 miles on it. I've replaced the rear pads once.

 

I’ve seen what you say be perfectly accurate on Jeep and Ford drums but the Toyota ones seem far better than either. As long as the parking brake continues to work on inclines with 4-5 clicks then I don’t plan to mess with it.

The Jeep and Ford ones would stop holding the vehicle after a few thousand miles. They truly sucked and never worked right unless constant adjustments were made. Got rid of the Ford and swapped to discs on the Jeep.

 

Inspect them before you buy any parts. 50K is very low for front pad replacements unless you have been doing a bunch of towing, hauling, etc. The rear brakes are probably fine but you should inspect first.