2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A way to complain about rear brake problems

[Bart]

If anyone, besides me, hates the problems associated with rear drum brake self adjusters and you want to do some compaining that may get something done about it. Here's how. Call

Department of Transportation auto safety hot line. I just did that very thing. To register a complaint you'll need your vin number, approximate mileage and a description of the problem. I told them that the rear self adjusters arent' functional. This causes the front brakes to do all the stopping and the heat warpes the front rotors. This warpage could be dangerous in a panick stop situation. The phone number is 1-888-327-4236 Monday-Friday 8A. M. to 10 P. M.



If enough of us call in something might be done about it. Maybe

 

[Ron Bissett]

Originally posted by Bart

If anyone, besides me, hates the problems associated with rear drum brake self adjusters and you want to do some compaining that may get something done about it. Here's how. Call

Department of Transportation auto safety hot line. I just did that very thing. To register a complaint you'll need your vin number, approximate mileage and a description of the problem. I told them that the rear self adjusters arent' functional. This causes the front brakes to do all the stopping and the heat warpes the front rotors. This warpage could be dangerous in a panick stop situation. The phone number is 1-888-327-4236 Monday-Friday 8A. M. to 10 P. M.



If enough of us call in something might be done about it. Maybe

Adjust the brakes with a brake spoon each oil change as most do . Or Back up with some speed and slam on the brakes a few times then foward then back one or two times ,make sure you have plenty of room and will not hit any thing empty parking lot is what I use most of the time . Adjusters some times just need to be done by hand. LOL Ron Bissett In Metro Louisville KY

 

[rrausch]

The other side of the story: For a period of about 3 months my left rear adjuster was adjusting like CRAZY! I'd have to crawl under the truck and back it off by hand once a week, or it would start to bind and smoke--the drum would be hot as all get-out after only a few miles! I connected it to the fact that for those 3 months I was backing down a very steep driveway every few days, and then slamming on my brakes, but as to why only the left side went nuts I have no idea.

 

[Ramtough]

Rear Brake Adjusters

Funny, I have the opposite problem. I have the swelling pads and after my truck sits for a couple of days, particularly outside, I have so much rear brake that I can hardly drive it. At least until I hook up my fifth wheel trailer then I really enjoy the brakes until they dry out again. I have NEVER adjusted the rear brakes - truck has 61K miles on it and the shoes look like they've never been used. This truck has the best brakes of anything I've ever driven - you just have to be real careful with them.

 

[enes]

How do you adjust rear brakes? got instructions somewhere?

 

[CORed]

Mine needed adjustment at 35,000. Dealer did it under warranty with a few other things. I, too, would like to know how to adjust using the "brake spoon" method. i have tried the backup and hit the brakes, but either I'm not going fast enough or slam on them hard enough or they just don't adjust.



I definitely noticed the dealer adjustment in both braking feel and also when applying the emergency brake.

 

[JGheen]

Yes, how do we adjust the rear brakes? Isn't it like on a 14-bolt GM axle, where you stick a big screw driver in the slot on the bottom of the back of the drum and adjust the wheel inside until you just feel some tension on the drum?

 

[rrausch]

I jack my rear wheels up, one at a time, and then crawl under it and stick a big flat blade screwdriver into the slot at the bottom of the backing plate. Pushing it one direction tightens it and pushing it the other direction loosens it--you should be able to hear a rachet-like click as you tighten/loosen. I tighten it, checking it by rotating the tire and wheel until the adjustment completely locks the rotation, then back it off a little till there is just a little bit of drag. Then repeat on the other side, adjusting it to the same amount of drag, and then test drive.