The braking system on Ford 8N tractors is made up of rear brake shoes and brake drums. When the brake pedal is pushed down, the brake shoes move toward the brake drum until the shoes are fully compressed to the drums. The amount of force that the brake shoes apply to the brake drums is determined by how hard the brake pedal is pushed down. When the brake pedal is released, the brake shoes retract away from the brake drum. As the brake shoes wear, they will need to be readjusted for the brakes to continue working properly.
Park the 8N tractor on a flat surface and chock the front wheels to prevent the tractor from rolling.
Slide behind the left rear wheel and locate the adjustable bolt on the back of the wheel backing plate. The adjustable bolt has a square head that requires an adjustable wrench to turn. Also locate one of the access holes on the back of the backing plate that will allow you to see the brake shoes.
Shine the flashlight through the access hole and locate the position of the brake shoes. Turn the adjustable bolt on the backing plate clockwise with the adjustable wrench until the bolt stops turning.
Shine the flashlight back through the access hole and make sure that the brake shoes have moved completely against the surface of the brake drum.
Back off the adjustable bolt a couple of turns counterclockwise until the brake shoes are about 1/8-inch away from the brake drum surface. Use the flashlight to determine the distance of the brake shoes from the brake drum surface.
