Failed Parking Brake Replacement

[Sierra54]

Since I was replacing the rear discs & pads I decided to also replace the parking brake shoes since they stopped working over 2 years ago. The parking brake shoe on the driver's side came off without a problem. However, once I tried to install the new tappet and adjuster star wheel the problems began. If I use the pin that came with the hardware replacement kit that goes between the tappet & star wheel I am unable to compress the tappets together even with the star wheel turned all the way in. I followed the instructions in the Chilton manual and released the parking brake actuator but the parking brake leaver and spring did not move. I'm not sure if the cable is frozen inside the tubing or if the parking brake leaver is stuck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

The dust shields are rusted away & I plan on having these replaced ASAP. Does anyone know the part #? This is for a 1999 Sierra 4X4.

[splat10]

me too exactly down to the rusted off dust shields. I'm getting a little resistance on the the truck with the Parking brake on but not enough to hold it in place on a hill or to pass the inspection test which is putting it on and giving it a little gas.

 

I replaced the shoes, and all the p brake hardware but not the cables. Not sure if they just aren't getting full pull on the lever or what. It's just like it needs more force on the lever to hold the truck.

 

Any thoughts? How much travel should the cable have at the brakes from off to on? Also i can't figure out if there's a way to adjust the brake star wheel with the brakes/tires on the truck but i've got it as tights as i can and still get the rotor on.

 

Thanks

Steve

[gm4yrs]

On my 99 silverado, the parking brake would not hold the truck on a sloped driveway. My driveway is flat, so I didnot notice it for years, until I parked at a friends house. I pressed the parking brake, all the way down, and shifted in neutral, the truck rolled back. I was in it, checking it out. So, I adjusted the star piece and measured the drum. Adjustment is .02in. or .6604mm difference between the drum and brake shoes with parking brake released. I bought a micrometer at harbor freight 12in . for $39.

[splat10]

The inside surface of my rotors (where the p-brake engages) is pretty rough. am i going to have to replace the rotor to get it to work right?

 

I know how to adkust the star wheel and the specs but that's not working for me

[gm4yrs]

The inside surface of my rotors (where the p-brake engages) is pretty rough. am i going to have to replace the rotor to get it to work right?

 

I know how to adkust the star wheel and the specs but that's not working for me

 

 

I think so. The specs. are tight measurements. I did not have to replace mine, just adjust to make it work.

[splat10]

any idea how much deflection there should be on the lever where the cable attaches? Mine is barely moving but if it's only supposed to be 0.020" clearance i guess they shouldn't have to move much.

[splat10]

Ok so i gave in and bought new rotors too and made sure everything was adjusted so that the rotor would barely go on over the shoe. Watched as the wife actuated the pedal and the levers are moving quite a bit.

 

Still not holding the D*** truck. Needless to say i'm completely stumped and totally frustrated. Anyone have any other ideas to try before i bring it to the dealer?

[gm4yrs]

There is another area, in front of the rear driver's side wheel, along the frame, where the cable, splits to two. there are screw links, but I was told, by the dealer, not to adjust the brake there. Maybe, If you bought the truck used, someone messed with it. Just an idea. My parking brake is firm, about 1/2 to 3/4 to the floor, but I can push it hard, to the floor.

[splat10]

Thought I'd post my solution as it's taken a long time to get it. Finally found that both cables were not functioning well enough in their sheaves. Replaced one cable that was siezed up. It moved enough that I thought it was working but not enough. It started working a little so i replaced the other one and bingo. Brake holds good again.

 

Thanks for all the help!