Parking Brake System: Adjustments

The rear drum brakes have self-adjusting shoe mechanisms that assure correct lining-to-drum clearances at all times. The automatic adjusters operate only when the brakes are applied as the vehicle is moving rearward.
Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is necessary after the brake shoes have been replaced, or when the length of the star wheel adjuster has been changed during some other service operation.

Fig. 4 Park Brake Adjustment:

1. Apply and release parking brake 5 times to 10 clicks.
2. Ensure that pedal is fully released by turning ignition switch ``On'' the brake warning light should be ``Off.''
3. If brake warning lamp is ``On,'' operate pedal release lever and pull downward on parking brake cable.
4. Apply parking brake to four clicks.
5. Raise and support vehicle, then remove access hole plug.
6. Adjust cable until and 1/8 inch drill bit can be inserted through access hole into space between shoe web and park lever, Fig. 4. Proper adjustment is when a 1/8 inch drill bit will fit in the space and a 1/4 inch drill bit will not fit.
7. Release brake, then check that wheels rotate freely.
8 Replace access hole plug, then lower vehicle.