While changing out the rear tire, I thought I'd take the opportunity to do other service and cosmetic work "while I'm there".

One of the things I've found is the rear drum brake has a manual adjuster. Not a big deal as I've dealt with these before. But the access slot for the adjuster is not at all accessible once the wheel is installed as the swing arm is in the way. Further, the access slot is mostly blocked by the alloy anti rotation arm for the rear drum, so the adjuster does not appear to be readily accessible even when the wheel is off the swing arm. Though it does appear it MAY be possible to tweak the adjuster with a cleverly bent screwdriver with the wheel off the swing arm, though to get a decent adjustment the spindle shaft would have to be installed and the wheel/hub mocked up to simulate running conditions.

Has anyone else figured out a way to get the brakes properly adjusted after a total disassembly?

The photo below shows the access slot for the adjuster. You can see the alloy anti rotation arm behind the backplate.

[Linked Image]

Steve
Late 2012 M3W