How do rear brakes auto adjust?

[Katfish]

What's the mechanism that causes the rear brakes to auto adjust.  I see the star wheel with the spring. 
I seem to remember my dad going in reverse and slamming on the brakes.  Is this what I need to do?

Thx

[Bullitt-]

Yes braking in reverse, slamming not necessary, you might make sure the self adjuster is operating if your having issues.

[Chryco Psycho]

there is a cable & a small lever on the rear shoe , as you hit the brakes going backwards this will pull the lever up with the cable & ratchet the gear on the adjuster , if you are missing the cable & lever they wil not adjust

[Katfish]

Thx for the replies.  Does the e-brake cable need to be connected for this to work?  I do have the cable and rachet gear and lever in place.  But the e-brake assembly is not in place.

Thx

[Chryco Psycho]

it will work without the park brake connected

[Katfish]

Thx for the info,

I guess I just need to go out and hit the brakes a bunch in reverse now.   

[Chryco Psycho]

you can pull the rubber plug & adjust it with a screwdriver

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

Just did my rear brakes yesterday........

[Bullitt-]

When I replaced my rear brakes the adjusting lever did not want to engage the star wheel adjuster, found that if with pliers you pull straight down on the lever it "cocks" & when released engages the star wheel.

[farmertan]

Also remember to use lots of never/seize on the star adjuster threads.

[shadango]

Just did my rear brakes yesterday........

Is that green return spring in the right hole on theright side?  Seems like it should go to the hole above it...?

[DAYLEY/CHALLENGER]

If I got it in the wrong hole..........please yell..............

Seriously............let me know...............thanks, 

[Bullitt-]

If I got it in the wrong hole..........please yell..............

Seriously............let me know...............thanks, 

Hard to see but this diagram puts them in the small holes above the large holes.
   Rule of thumb, If it went on easy it must be wrong. 

[Katfish]

Here's a pic when I had mine apart.  Now I'm not sure where it should go?

[Purple73Cuda]

It looks to me like the spring is in the wrong hole. It also looks like the spring is hitting the star wheel because it is in the wrong hole. That could prevent the automatic adjuster from working.