How to Set Rear Parking Brakes

[JohnHaggerty]

I replaced the rear rotors and calipers a couple of years ago. I never did adjust the parking brake to my liking. I need to adjust them before I become that guy at the boat ramp. How do you suggest I set them? I'm thinking pulling the shafts, feeling them spin and adjust accordingly. Any ideas or hints?
Thanks,
John

 

[bcbender]

From my 04 manual, I assume all 3rd gens are the same... adjustment on vehicle for shoes... there are other cable adjustments also, If I remember right backing plate is the same part on both sides, so on one side it's almost impossible to get to with the spring pack... I can send another capture if there you would like. I have the full manual PDF

 

[AEdelheit]

I get the tires off the ground and tighten the adjuster until I it starts to drag then back off 1-2 clicks, adjust the other side, set and release the parking brake a few times and then rotate the tire again to make sure there is still no drag. The leaf pack is in the way but can work around it, no need to remove any parts other then the rubber grommet over the inspection hole.

 

[JohnHaggerty]

If I remember right, after both tires are off the ground, I can't get them to rotate. Does this seem right? Need to be in neutral maybe? A lot of weight to just rotate. Thanks!

 

[Regcabguy]

Mine refused to work at all. Turned out the axle seal was leaking. Not a drop on the inside of the rim either.

 

[AEdelheit]

If I remember right, after both tires are off the ground, I can't get them to rotate. Does this seem right? Need to be in neutral maybe? A lot of weight to just rotate. Thanks!

Yes I do put it in neutral just to eliminate any resistance from the LSD, forgot to mention that part! Once you do try it it is easy to tell typical tire weight resistance and dragging brake resistance.

 

[Ozymandias]

I do it a little bit different, more redneck style.

I push the Ebrake pedal 3 Clicks and then turn the adjusters at the wheels as far as possible till the brake shoes block the wheel from turning.

With the pedal then released the wheels turn free.

 

[BigPapa]

Personally, I will never trust a parking brake alone on an incline again. I know it’s a 2nd Gen, but my ‘95 5-speed popped off on me twice before I quit trusting them. The first time was no big deal, it wasn’t a steep incline and it rolled a foot into a parking lot barrier. The second time, it was parked in my driveway, pretty steep. I had started it on a Sunday morning to turn the A/C on and when I was about 6’ away I heard it pop. I got the door open, grabbed the steering wheel and pulled myself in just in time to stop it from running through my shed.

 

[FOXY005]

Thats why I bought myself a good set of WHEEL CHOCKS !

 

[Yo Hoot]

deleted

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Mine refused to work at all. Turned out the axle seal was leaking. Not a drop on the inside of the rim either.

Same, RR is leaking, won't hold on steep inclines, no oil on the wheel. I only caught it when I was lubing my brake hardware.

 

[Blakers]

I do it a little bit different, more redneck style.

I push the Ebrake pedal 3 Clicks and then turn the adjusters at the wheels as far as possible till the brake shoes block the wheel from turning.

With the pedal then released the wheels turn free.

I have been adjusting the parking brakes on my 03 since new and I hate them!! They are the worst parking brakes ever devised and have to be almost too tight before they even work at all. The stroke on the pedal is way too short, and the drums inside the rotors are way too small. Terrible design.

I'm going to try Ozy's trick and see if it works better. Thanks for sharing!