rear drum brake self adjusters

Could not find anything on this when doing a search so here goes. Anyone have a solution to make the rear drum brake with cable style self adjusters actually work. Replaced the rear brakes on my 79 D-100 with all new parts, everything including return springs and adjuster cables are new. They don't seem to be adjusting, someone told me they will only adjust when applying the brakes while backing up. Is this correct.

Yes you have to put it in reverse and tap the pedal several times while backing up. You're best bet for the rears is to have the parking brake cable snug so's there is drag on first click of p brake pedal,release it then adjust the brakes, and then do the reverse pedal pump about once a week. Did you Arc the shoees?

Self adjusters are generally problematic. You need the tang held against the adjuster and the cable length just right so the tang is clocked in the right position against the teeth & is ready to move the star when the cable shortens

It's fairly easy to test the adjuster operation before installing the drums, just push on the cable at mid length to deflect it and the adjuster lever should ratchet up the teeth on the adjuster wheel and then move the wheel a notch or two when the cable is released.

Thanks guys. The adjuster shoe is positioned correctly on the star wheel and when I tested them by deflecting the cable the adjuster shoe would ratchet the star wheel. I have owned this truck from new but apparently didn't remember the backing up to adjust procedure. I defently suffer from CRS!! P.S. Yes I did check the lining to drum arc and it was very good. Thanks again. Tom