2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How do I replace the rear emergency brake pads on an '02 with rear disc brakes?

[Royk]

How do I replace the rear emergency brake pads on an '02 with rear disc brakes? Mine are worn to the point of uselessness. Unfortunately, a truck with this much power will pull away rather easily with the e-brakes applied. I use the e-brakes sometimes and sometimes not, so I'm not in the habit of releasing then every time I start up. That lack of habit has caused me to start driving a few too many times with the brakes applied. Now that I see how much they cost ($95. 49 at NAPA, $113 at dealer), my habits might change! Sucks at the steep boat ramp when I have to shut down in 1st gear and the truck still makes little creeping movements.



Roy

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

ttt

I am also looking at this, I think my cable is streching, I never drive with them on, but there is no real brake engagement left. I am going to try adjusting my cable, my mechanic did this for me a few years back and it solved my problem.

Do these pads wear when driving even if disengaged?



thanks

 

[SBettencourt]

I have burnt brakes to the point of smoking and there was still a lot of material left on the shoes. They might just need adjusting. If the p-brake is properly adjusted there is no way you can drive off and not feel it dragging... even with a CDT.



There is a star wheel burried inside that you turn to adjust the parking brake shoes. The access hole is cover with a rubber plug. It is a tedious job to adjust them but it is the correct way to set the clearance. There's no self adjuster like on drum service brakes but if the rear has posi its a pain to get a feel for when the shoes lock up. I just turn until the star feels tight then back off 8 clicks.



If you really need to put in new shoes, the axle has to come out then you pull the service brakes off to get the rotor off.

 

[Silver_Ram]

I didn't have to remove the axle shafts when I changed my rear disc brakes & turn the rotors. I just removed the caliper & caliper bracket and pulled the rotor off.



I didn't replace the e-brake shoes at the time.

 

[litespeed]

ttt

I am also looking at this, I think my cable is streching, I never drive with them on, but there is no real brake engagement left. I am going to try adjusting my cable, my mechanic did this for me a few years back and it solved my problem.

Do these pads wear when driving even if disengaged?



thanks

You dont adjust these brakes with the cable!



They adjust by adjusting a star washer. Just like drum brakes. It is pretty easy. I have done mine a couple times. Chances are that your shoes are fine.



The adjustment on the cable is only to take slack out of the system. It is NOT an adjusment point for the brakes. In case of extreme cable slack. You may be ok. Either way... . This is not the adjusment point.



If you have adjusted the cable in the past you will need to set it back to where it was. Especially if you ever put new shoes on. Or you will never get the adjusment right.



Also, I remember reading somewhere that some of these trucks require pulling the axles to get the rotors off. On others the rotors come off without pulling the axles. Must have been a mid year change or something?



AJ

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Well, this is what the wrench did. So I got the service manual.

5-36 "adjustment is controlled by a cable tensioner mechanism"

There is no mention of adjustment with the star wheel.

I am now confused. I will go and re read the manual. see if I missed something.