You might need to adjust your brake shoes

A brake adjuster is a mechanical device that adjusts the brake lever. The adjuster consists of three components: a head that resembles a nut and bolt, a notch on the side of the adjusting lever, and a notched wheel. The head is attached to the secondary shoe via a spring that holds the adjuster in place. A slotted cap and washer fit over the head and engage the secondary shoe's web section. The adjuster also contains a return spring.

Depending on the model of your vehicle, you might need to adjust your brake shoes to ensure that they spin smoothly with minimum drag. The brake adjuster is located in the backing plate and is accessible with a flat-head screwdriver. To turn it, first push the lever holding the adjuster in place away from the star wheel. Once it's loose, the adjuster spins counter-clockwise. After a few turns, the shoes should be centered. Before performing this adjustment, make sure the parking brake is engaged and the brake pedal is pushed all the way to the floor.

The brake adjuster is most active in the first 100 miles of use. By replacing it regularly, you can ensure that your brake shoes are applied properly and that the brake pedal is at the right height.