Michigan State Brakes Certification Practice Exam

If a drum brake self-adjuster seizes up, what is the likely result?

1. A low pedal

2. Worn brake drum

3. NOT a low pedal, worn brake drum, or a loose emergency brake cable

4. Increased brake fluid pressure

The correct answer is: NOT a low pedal, worn brake drum, or a loose emergency brake cable

When a drum brake self-adjuster seizes up, it prevents the brake shoes from adjusting properly as they wear down. This loss of adjustment can lead to issues such as reduced braking efficiency and improper shoe contact with the drum. The correct choice indicates that the likely result does not include a low pedal, a worn brake drum, or a loose emergency brake cable. In this situation, a low pedal is typically associated with problems in the hydraulic system, such as air in the lines or a leaking master cylinder, rather than issues resulting from a seized self-adjuster. Likewise, while a worn brake drum can impact braking performance, it is directly related to the adjustment of the brake shoes. If the self-adjuster is not functioning, the shoes may not wear evenly, but the answer suggests that ‘worn brake drum’ is not a direct outcome of the self-adjuster seizing. Moreover, a loose emergency brake cable would not be a direct consequence of the self-adjuster issue but might indicate a separate problem unrelated to the self-adjuster's function. Thus, the choice highlights that the direct consequence of a seized drum brake self-adjuster does not include these specific outcomes, emphasizing that understanding the interaction of brake system components is crucial for diagnosing brake issues