parking brake

[94redranger]

I have a problem, my parking brake won't fully engage. The brake shoes will move outward only slightly. So slightly in fact that I can turn the wheel by hand when the parking brake is engaged. Is this possibly caused by the cable stretching? I know my shoes are good because when I hit the brakes hard on ice or mud the rear wheels will lock up. Thanks.

 

[SoLongStang9499]

Go up on a hill or your driveway if its steep, and coast backwards. Slam on the brakes, and repeat several times. Your rear drums have a ratchet setup to control the proper clearence on the drums. If your parking brake isnt clamping enough and you have the wire hooked up right, simply go up, coast backwards and SLAM on the brakes. It will only ratchet in reverse. Have fun

 

[94redranger]

I tried your method and it did not work. Could the cable have stretched out enough to make it not fully engage? Does anyone know of a link where it show how the cable should be connected and routed? Thanks

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Try manually adjusting your brakes first, the self adjusters rarely work as they are supposed to. Grab a brake spoon and adjust them up till you just start to feel a bit of drag and try it again.

Is the parking brake pedal going to the floor?

 

[94redranger]

yes the brake pedal is going to the floor and don't really feel it tighted up as i push it down.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Then try adjusting the rear brakes as I stated, then let us know. If the rear brakes are properly adjusted and it still just goes to the floor, sounds like the cables have been stretched beyond what is adjustable.

 

[crbnunit]

Yea, unless your auto adjusters are in good shape and well lubed, they rarely work. You'll have to manually adjust them.

 

[94redranger]

How do I manually adjust the parking brakes? My repair manual doesn't say anything about adjusting the parking brake, it only says it is automatic adjustment.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Its the same adjustment for your rear brake shoes. Jack up the rear end so both tires are off the ground, put the truck in neutral with the front wheels blocked so it can't roll. There will be a small rubber plug in the backing plate of the drum brakes, remove it. Get yourself a brake adjuster spoon and turn the star wheel on the adjuster until you feel a slight drag from the brake shoes riding on the drum. Voila adjusted.