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

155,715

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.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2007 Toyota Yaris

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Charlsie Riley
    Reputation
    700
  • #2
    Jerry VanSickle Jr.
    Reputation
    310
  • #3
    Sharon Tombari
    Reputation
    290
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
1,451 Great Deals out of 22,042 listings starting at $950
Used Honda Fit
149 Great Deals out of 2,092 listings starting at $1,496
Used Toyota Camry
1,889 Great Deals out of 30,315 listings starting at $1,299
Used Honda Civic
1,317 Great Deals out of 29,216 listings starting at $1,250
Used Toyota RAV4
1,867 Great Deals out of 28,125 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Prius
440 Great Deals out of 6,029 listings starting at $650
Used Toyota Matrix
34 Great Deals out of 413 listings starting at $1,500
Used Mazda MAZDA3
560 Great Deals out of 11,879 listings starting at $1,750
Used Honda Accord
1,483 Great Deals out of 29,418 listings starting at $1,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,048 Great Deals out of 35,536 listings starting at $500
Used Nissan Versa
393 Great Deals out of 10,977 listings starting at $1,200

Used Cars for Sale

2020 Toyota Yaris For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 65 listings starting at $9,750
2019 Toyota Yaris For Sale
9 Great Deals out of 99 listings starting at $9,995
2018 Toyota Yaris For Sale
11 listings starting at $8,888
2017 Toyota Yaris For Sale
3 Great Deals out of 38 listings starting at $8,495
2016 Toyota Yaris For Sale
20 listings starting at $6,450

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.