How do you adjust the rear brakes on a 2000 Mercury Mystique?

Answer 1

To be candid, I really don't know. However, I recently changed the (8") rear brake shoes on my 2000 Mystique. The brakes are held in adjustment by a grooved cam (not a star-wheel). One of the most difficult parts was removing the drum from the spindle. I used the required 32mm socket, then applied "gentle persuasion" to pass the drum-ridge over the brake shoes. I'm sure there is a preferred method, however, I was at the point of desperation motivated by the ever popular impending time constraint.

I am assuming your brakes are either out of adjustment, indicating either a brake-spring failure or the cam grooves have filled with brake-dust; or you have decided to change the shoes, and can't get the drums off with the shoes in the current adjustment.

SUGGESTION: Take photos of the spring orientations prior to disassembly of the shoes.

Good luck.