Parking Brake Check

[Boaring1961]

So I just replaced my rear rotors, calipers and pads, but didn't get to checking the parking brake. I know how to adjust them with the star nut, but what's the best way to check if they even need adjustment?

 

[Motorhead]

Hey Boaring, I live in Atascadero... . The parking brake should hold after 3-5 clicks. The type we have isn't the best just because it is small. You at least have PARK.

 

[Boaring1961]

Thanks Motorhead.

What I'm worried about is that I just put new rear rotors on and want to find out if I need to adjust the parking brakes due to the new rotors. I was worried that if I didn't adjust them the pads could be rubbing and overheat the rotors.

 

[Motorhead]

Your parking brake on the '05 doesn't use the brake pads. The small brake shoes are for the parking brake. Adjust them with the star wheel till tight then back off until the rotor is free.

 

[Boaring1961]

Sorry I used the term pad and not shoes. I know there's a set of shoes that apply pressure to the inside of the rotors.

So, I guess I'll jack up the rear end and spin the wheels to make sure they're not rubbing and then tighten them like you mention Motorhead.

Thanks

 

[Motorhead]

Boaring, It will be a little tough to feel if they are rubbing due to the drag on the rear axle. Best is to adjust each wheel until the adjusting star is snug and back off 3-5 clicks. Test the parking brake pedal to make sure it feels solid at about the first 1/3rd of the parking brake travel BUT WITH SOME LOW RESISTANCE THE FIRST FEW INCHES. Having a few inches of no resistance will tell you that the shoes aren't in real close contact with the rotor. SOME VERY LIGHT DRAG IS NORMAL. I would set the parking brake firmly then let it off set it again then let it off. Check the pedal position. Adjust or de-adjust as necessary.

 

[MuddFlapp]

Is there anyway to check wear on the shoes without pulling the everything apart?

 

[jelag]

Who ever replaced the rear rotors had the shoes in front of them when the rotors were off... . at that time they should have been addressed ... . there is no way that I know to look at the shoes once the rotors are installed...

We're your old pads worn into the rotors... In 20 years of running a rebuilding shop where we turned rotors I can't remember ever selling a customer a set of rear rotors for any light truck... we always machined them and returned them to the customer... .

 

[jwduke]

Any truth you need to use the emergency brake in these or, if you don't it will rust up to the point where it will not work? (Use it ore lose it?)

 

[Motorhead]

As said above, I think too that as long as you keep your factory parking brake, the inspections couldn't mess with you. I would JUST use the mico brake when, as you described, need it to add additional brake holding to load and unload your equipment. I WOULD NOT rely on it as a stand alone parking brake for long term hold of the vehicle. As a hydraulic lock, with out knowing what kind of trailer brake control you use, it could leave say the electric brakes energized for a long term where they could over heat or drain your battery. Use it to unload or load on hills, tie the load down then move to flat ground and chalk the wheels for a permanet safeguard against a run away truck and trailer. My $0. 02