parking brake

[bonnieclyde100]

can anyone tell me why my parking brake will keep my truck from rolling forward but not from rolling backwards. the brake is adjusted as far as it will go the foot pedal only goes about half way and if I try to push it further the pedal will bend. any help will be appreciated

[geunther]

Drum brakes really lack functionality when going backwards. You're not doing anything wrong, just part of the design. Backing to a stop is actually how the shoes are adjusted "automatically". The Drum rotates and moves the rear shoe slightly when going backwards, which is part of the the adjustment process. Unfortunately this takes away from their rear operational efficiently.

[bonnieclyde100]

Originally Posted by geunther

Drum brakes really lack functionality when going backwards. You're not doing anything wrong, just part of the design. Backing to a stop is actually how the shoes are adjusted "automatically". The Drum rotates and moves the rear shoe slightly when going backwards, which is part of the the adjustment process. Unfortunately this takes away from their rear operational efficiently.

i could sworn that at least on mine that applying the parking brake is what adjusted the brake shoes.

[snipescastle2]

Yeah, those "self-adjusters"aren't much of self adjusting as they claim to be. Most freeze up (rust) long before they do any adjustments.
Ben

[mike16]

I believe that if you pump the park brake while backing up it will adjust sufficiently to function forward or backwards. I do that with my 72 c10 and she stops even on a hill.

maybe pull the drums and inspect everything for function first. dont co crazy on the lube. clean it all up and use very little grease

[geunther]

Originally Posted by bonnieclyde100

i could sworn that at least on mine that applying the parking brake is what adjusted the brake shoes.

You may be correct. I was thinking of my D-44 in a jeep. Some are adjusted by applying the parking brakes, others by stopping while backing.