1st gen experts enter!!!

[miamib30514]

simple question guys....i have a 2004 first gen manual transmission. the parking brake has become noticeably looser/weaker. how do i adjust it or tighten it up?? thanks

[JeffJ]

Originally Posted by miamib30514

simple question guys....i have a 2004 first gen manual transmission. the parking brake has become noticeably looser/weaker. how do i adjust it or tighten it up?? thanks

The adjusting screw is right next to the pedal. Get a 10mm open ended wrench and put it on the first nut. Then remove the locking nut (it should be 10mm as well). Then push the pedal in 5 or 6 clicks. After that, tighten the nut until fairly tight. You should get 5 to 8 clicks. I'll verify this and get back to you later. After you have it adjusted correctly, put the locking nut back on.

[Abmobil]

How many miles on the truck?
You most likely need to adjust your rear shoes.

[XE_KING]

yeah.. its kinda like topping off the brake fluid... right problem, wrong answer... when the fluid gets low it means your pads/shoes are getting worn out... same goes for the p-brake (usually) so in other words... Yeah ABMOBIL you nailed it!!! lol

[miamib30514]

Originally Posted by Abmobil

How many miles on the truck?
You most likely need to adjust your rear shoes.

22,000 :/.... so i shouldnt tighten the bolt?

[fronty2wd]

Well if you only have 22,000 then you probably need to adjust the shoes or the cable/pedal. There are different ways of checking adjustment of rear brakes but the best in my opinion is with drum caliper. It will allow you to measure the drum and lock the tool down and then use the inside to set the shoes to the proper width. You can also lift the rear axle with the tires still on and go through the access hole in the backing plate and use a screwdriver or brake spoon and spin the wheel as you adjust the star adjuster and listen for very slight scraping noise. Once the rear shoes are set at the proper adjustment then check your parking brake and go from there. If your not familiar with adjusting rear brakes take it to the dealer or your trusted local brake shop and it will probably cost you about half to one hour of labor.

[JeffJ]

I guess it isn't as simple as adjusting parking brake. They didn't mention adjusting the brake pads in my repair manual. With my break pedal, the front cable came loose at the equalizer. The adjusting screw was all the backed out. I could not see any threads at all. I ended up reattaching the front cable and adjusting the pedal. It works just fine, but I may have other issues to look into.

[reece]

Come on guys...this is overkill. The rear drum brakes are self-adjusting. I haven't used a brake spoon to maintain adjustment in 20 years. Most likely your cable has stretched over time and needs adjustment at the pedal, unless of course, you left your parking brake on and burned up your shoes. In which case you will need new shoes. A lower brake fluid level is no indicator for worn pads or shoes - you make that determination by visually looking at the brake linings. If anything worn brake linings will raise the fluid level.
Think about it...and get back to me.
NEXT!

[houdini]

use the parking brake cable adjuster which is located under the passenger door on the frame rail.

take the time and crawl under your truck...its all too easy once you see the adjuster.

[miamib30514]

well conflicting messages in here to say the least...:/