1999 Expo brake adjustment
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1999 Expo brake adjustment
I own a 1999 Expo 4x4, EB, 5.4L, rear discs. I am trying to find out if there is a way to adjust the parking brake. It has gradually started not to hold the truck on an incline. Any help will be much appreciated.
The major concern is for state inspection purposes (Virginia). Does the brake have to work correctly to pass inspection?
The major concern is for state inspection purposes (Virginia). Does the brake have to work correctly to pass inspection?
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While the rear service brakes are discs, the parking brake is a drum brake that requires manual adjustment of the brake shoes. Any mechanic that is familar with drum brakes should be able to adjust it for you. Unlike drum brakes used for driving purposes, it is NOT self adjusting.
I don't know how stringent Virginia inspections are, but given that the braking system is safety-related, I'd be shocked if the vehicle passed if the inspector knew about the problem. 5,500 lbs. of truck is a lot of truck to just hold with the transmission parking pawl. You should have it fixed in any event.
I don't know how stringent Virginia inspections are, but given that the braking system is safety-related, I'd be shocked if the vehicle passed if the inspector knew about the problem. 5,500 lbs. of truck is a lot of truck to just hold with the transmission parking pawl. You should have it fixed in any event.
Last edited by PaulC; Dec 6, 2003 at 12:32 AM.
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Thanks for the response. I was wondering if this is something a "backyard" mechanic, like myself, can perform. I am trying to save some $$, but if you think it wouldn't be too much to have a certified mechanic do the work, then I guess I'll go that route. I am savvy enough to change the brakes myself, I just don't know the procedure for adjusting the park brake.
Thanks
Thanks
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The adjusting mechanism (star adjuster) is located within the drum. Basically the parking brake a miniature version of a 1955-era non-self-adjusting drum brake. Low-tech. But if you adjust it too tightly, you will burn out the shoes, which are a PITA to access.
