2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Emergency Brake Adjustment

[CumminsFarmer]

Hey guys. I found out yesterday that my emergency brake will no longer hold the weight of my pickup and a 30 foot combine header on a 10% incline! It used to just fine, but maybe its time for an adjustment. A friend of mine told me there is an adjustment for the parking brake on my rear disc brakes, not unlike a drum brake. I couldnt figure it out, but did not take the wheels and rotors off. Any input is greatly appreciated.



P. S. - Rear brakes are about 3 years old. Last 2 years have been with consistent Exhaust brake use, so Im doubting they are worn out.



Thanks, Cole.

 

[JDriscoll]

I can't help you out, but I'll definatley be interesed in the answer, the E brake in my 02 needs to be adjusted also.

 

[JLandry]

Read this thread:



Parking Brake Adjustment



Regards,



John L.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I read through that thread and it sounded to me like the instructions were for rear drum brakes. Mine has rear discs also but only has one drum, on the driver's side, for a parking brake. I replaced my rear pads about 2 years ago and have since had to adjust the parking brake twice. I'm also thinking that with that much weight and on that kind of an incline, one probably shouldn't leave it to just one little drum shoe to hold it all.

My one shoe had prob. 1/4" of material left on it and I adjusted it via the little star wheel the same way I would drum brakes.

 

[SWC]

CumminsFarmer, there is a smaller version of a brake drum on the rear hubs. There is a rubber plug with a slot just like on regular drum and a star whell inside. If I remember correctly one side might be above the axle. I adjusted mine several times.

If you could hold the truck plus load on a 10% slope your park brake did far better then mine would do. On several occasions I accidently drove without releasing the park brake. I would not notice it in the lower gears. Finally into 3rd or 4th I would notice a little drag. Too Late!!! (I just blame that on the torque of the mighty Cummins. ) It dosn't take that very often to ruin the brake lining on that little brake pad.

I recently put a Micolock Brake on mine. It took a little time but I am satisfied with the results. Now when I set the brakes and try to drive I know it!

Hope this helps.

Stan

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

What is a Micolock Brake ?

 

[Kent Kuykendall]

Just soome advise. Don't trust the e brake. I had the crimp end come off of my passenger side cable and the truck with gooseneck started to roll twards people and things at a mx park. I hopped in and stopped it but after I thought about what could have happened and it would have been deaths. I never trust any e brake anymore. Turn the truck off and put it in geer or use a wheel schotch or both.



Kent

 

[WestTN]

The emergency brake IS a small drum brake inside the disk brake rotor.



When mine got too weaK to hold the truck I tried an adjustment. That is when I found I needed axle seals on both sides.

 

[SWC]

Micolock

I should have said Micolock Brake System. A Micolock is installed in the brake line and when activated keeps the brake fluid pressurized after you remove your foot from the brake peddle. On my truck I installed it in the line to the rear brakes. The lever can be flipped before I push on the brakes or after. The fluid is held by a check valve. When I want to release the brakes I move the lever down and a cam on the lever pushes against a little rod which pushes the check valve open releasing the brake fluid. This system will not interfer with the ABS when driving.

This is the company http://http://www.mico.com/products/displaysubinfo.php?id=20 There are several styles to choose from. This is the one I am using http://http://www.mico.com/products/displaysubinfo.php?id=43

I am in Canada and my price was around $270. It should be cheaper down there. To find it check any large truck outfitter.

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the installation. I may have to clean up the truck and do that though.

Hope this helps.

Stan

 

[dknoch]

I have also adjusted my e-brake a few times. It is a little tricky with a limited slip differential though. I adjust 1 side untill I can't move it and then back it off a little bit and then repeat on the other side. Hope this all helps.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

How can you tell if you have limited slip diff. ? From what it sounds like, you limited slip guys have two parking brakes. One one each side of the rear axle. I know mine only has 1 and I know my diff. is a Dana 80.

 

[wilsonsh]

Jack up the rear end and spin one of the tires... if they both spin in the same direction, you have LS... if they spin opposite, you have an open diff. They made the Dana 80 in both LS and open diff.

 

[wilsonsh]

You have disc brakes on all four hubs but the rear disc hubs have brake shoes inside the disc hub for parking brakes. To adjust;



Remove the rubber grommet on the diff side of the axle hub assembly with a flat head screwdriver.



Using a flashlight and a flat head screwdriver locate and turn the star nut adjustment wheel inside the hub where you removed the grommet and rotate a few turns.



Check the parking brake position to be sure you are going the right direction. Then, turn the adjusting star nut until you're happy with the position of the parking brake when set.



Replace the rubber grommet.