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adjusting parking brake


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martyg7162
Novice

Sep 8, 2008, 4:10 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2569 views)
adjusting parking brake Sign In

Is there any way of knowing if I've adjusted the parking brake correctly before I go putting it back together? Is it suppose to be tight to the rotor? (without touching) and how do I know when it's right? I've manage to replace then on both sides easy enough even replaced both rear pads as well just need to know how to properly adjust the parking brake.
Thanks
Marty
1998 Lincoln Navagator
5.4L 330CID v8 FI (L)
107,500 MILES


dmac0923
Enthusiast

Sep 8, 2008, 7:27 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2563 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

what kind of setup do you have. is it rear disk brakes and the parking brake is like a mini drum brake inside the rotor?
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2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2002 Ford Ranger
2004 Toyota Corolla
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 8, 2008, 8:47 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2560 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

Drum parking brake inside rotor should be adjusted with star adjuster close but not touching. These are trouble as they are static brakes and the drum surface can rust from lack of dynamic friction. Clean that up as best you can and adjust till it rubs then back off right to where it doesn't. Test while rotor is back on that parking brake is firmed up at part travel but does have some travel.

Suggestion for this style: Drag these on purpose while moving slowly while holding in "release" mode to clear of "gun" rust now and then. Remove and check on these peridically as needed. If/when this style gets dunked in water like times when launching a boat or put thru high water they should be inspected right away.

This style of parking brake is flawed by design and needs periodic maintenance (clean/derust) especially in wet or corrosive environments IMO,

T



martyg7162
Novice

Sep 8, 2008, 11:57 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2553 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

Do I have to raise both wheels off the ground & put it in Neutral? Can I keep the caliper off while doing this? Is that what I should do?
Marty
1998 Lincoln Navagator
5.4L 330CID v8 FI (L)
107,500 MILES


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 8, 2008, 4:48 PM

Post #5 of 8 (2547 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

I'm not looking at this but in the general idea - I'd have both rear end up, rear wheels and disc brakes off (carefully hand caliper) such that you can remove and replace rotor with each adjustment and spin that hub by hand holding the rotor in place by hand - use at least three lug nuts if needed to set rotor in place but not too tight. It may be adjustable from backside thru access hole using what's called a brake spoon (is that my term?) thru a hole that may need to be punched out and a rubber plug should be available for that hole if not already there - IF THEY PROVIDE THAT ACCESS. May require all wheels off ground and air suspension if equipped to be temporarily disabled for any hoisting.

When that one is adjusted to you satifaction, go to the other side, leaving the rotor on with a few lug nuts and do the same with the other. Test the parking brake with rotors on ---- JUST THE PARKING BRAKE - DON'T TOUCH THE SERVICE BRAKE! It should feel proper as discribed in owner's manual. Assorted cable methods may be different but it should hold tight with more travel to go AND not be too tight. Release and wheels should be free. Put back together with service brakes and test that they hold with vehicle on ground and also release freely.

There's room for plenty of complications with cables and cable mechanisms with parking brakes. If there's more wrong we can dig for details - above is just general for the style.

Note: Rust flakes or debris between rotor and face of hub must be cleared clean or rotor (with drum inside) will not set true to the hub and back wheels AND brakes will not be correct.

Note II: Lug nuts should be torqued in sequence by hand to spec and is frequently on the periodic suggesed list to check that for all wheels - especially alloy wheels and SUV or HD vehicles,

T



martyg7162
Novice

Oct 11, 2008, 8:59 AM

Post #6 of 8 (2497 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

air suspension if equipped to be temporarily disabled for any hoisting. I missed this step and now my rear end rides really low. did skipping this step cause the low rear end? if so how do I correct it?
Marty
1998 Lincoln Navagator
5.4L 330CID v8 FI (L)
107,500 MILES


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Oct 11, 2008, 2:18 PM

Post #7 of 8 (2490 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

Pretty sure you can get out of that by just running the engine for a while. When hoisted it thought it was too high as the way hoisted could extend wheels to limits which would look jacked up in rear if you will so it let the air pressure out.

Some are nasty enough and so low you can't get a floor jack out without another floor jack.

It should self correct once down for a while with it running,

T



way2old
Veteran / Moderator
way2old profile image

Oct 11, 2008, 3:17 PM

Post #8 of 8 (2486 views)
Re: adjusting parking brake Sign In

If you did not bother anything other than the shoes and adjuster, adjust them so it takes about 2 clicks of the parking brake to make contact. Then they will adjust themselves as you continue to use it. Look at the back side of the wheel and be sure the adjusting lever is not hanging somewhere off the end of the slot. If the adjuster is at end of slot, asjust to 2 clicks to contact and you will be OK.



Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds






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