Parking Brake Adjustment?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
... get a new mechanic. Totally adjustable.... he's probably trying to make a sale on new e-brake parts... find someone honest.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,885
Likes: 26
From: Chino, California
Well, he didn't try to sell me new e-brake parts. He told me my e-brake pads are in good shape. I think he doesn't know how to adjust it.
So to adjust them, do you follow instructions given by VCLukeHumdinger above? Do you need to remove the caliper to do this? I assume you will need to remove the wheel to access this rubber plug?
So to adjust them, do you follow instructions given by VCLukeHumdinger above? Do you need to remove the caliper to do this? I assume you will need to remove the wheel to access this rubber plug?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
I don't know how he'd know your brake shoes were in good shape unless he took off the disc to inspect them, in which case it would be obvious to a mechanic that they are just old style drums that adjust using a star wheel.
You can access the star wheel without having to take off the wheel. It's in behind the wheel. There is an oval rubber plug that you take off to fit a flat screwdriver in to spin the star wheel to adjust the brake shoes.
You can access the star wheel without having to take off the wheel. It's in behind the wheel. There is an oval rubber plug that you take off to fit a flat screwdriver in to spin the star wheel to adjust the brake shoes.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 67
Likes: 2
From: North Georgia
Another possible problem?
My '00 Ex is acting the same way, but started doing it suddenly, unlike an adjustment. I now remember on my '97 Club Wagon that the wheel that the parking brake cable wraps around is fabricated of two circular pieces spot welded together near the center. On the CW these broke and jammed the cable between them. Had to take the mechanism apart and re-weld the wheel together. Going now to take the underdash apart and see what gives.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
The star-wheel adjusters are often frozen/stuck and can be impossible to adjust without removing the rotor. Sometimes, the adjusters are stripped-out rendering them useless. At least one member here made his own adjuster by cutting slots in a 'real nut' (much more durable than the soft, stock option that strips out).
I prefer to adjust e-brake with the rotors (gotta do BOTH!!) off, but that just gives me an excuse to inspect everything else in there. As long as some jackwagon doesn't DRIVE with the e-brake on - these literally never need to be adjusted.
This could be just really loose adjustment, or there could be broken stuff in there. I would pull rotors and LOOK. 
(its only 2 more bolts after ya take the tires off.) 
I prefer to adjust e-brake with the rotors (gotta do BOTH!!) off, but that just gives me an excuse to inspect everything else in there. As long as some jackwagon doesn't DRIVE with the e-brake on - these literally never need to be adjusted.
The other is that when I put the E brake on,the "X" will roll about 6-10"
(its only 2 more bolts after ya take the tires off.)
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
My '00 Ex is acting the same way, but started doing it suddenly, unlike an adjustment. I now remember on my '97 Club Wagon that the wheel that the parking brake cable wraps around is fabricated of two circular pieces spot welded together near the center. On the CW these broke and jammed the cable between them. Had to take the mechanism apart and re-weld the wheel together. Going now to take the underdash apart and see what gives.
Meanwhile, if the pedal is moving the cable under truck - there's nuthin' wrong under the dash!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
You can easily see them by crawling under the truck and looking at the back of the rear wheels/brakes.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Man, am I glad I don't live in THAT climate...
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 89
Ive been told that if you apply the parking brake while reversing it will automatically adjust the shoes/turn the star wheel.
Thats easy to do when the parking brake is a lever inbetween the 2 seats...not so much when the lever is under the dash.
Thats easy to do when the parking brake is a lever inbetween the 2 seats...not so much when the lever is under the dash.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,142
From: N.GA Mountains
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 89
BUMMER.
I hope my truck's p-brake system (with 200k miles) is still adjustable! I imagine its all rusted beyond recognition....fingers crossed.
I hope my truck's p-brake system (with 200k miles) is still adjustable! I imagine its all rusted beyond recognition....fingers crossed.
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