How to adjust parking brake? HELP Quick!!

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Hi guys, I am installing drilled/slotted rotors and new pads on my 23k mile Marauder. I have done other brake jobs on cars that have rear discs with the drum parking brake. On my Acura TL you had to adjust the shoes until they would just contact and hold the new rotor, then back off 8 clicks. Is there a similar procedure for setting the parking brake drums on my new rear rotors? I hate, hate, hate this style parking brake. Help! I am going to do the rotors right now and hopefully I won't have to guess on the adjustment. Thanks!

[SamF]

Parking Brake Cable Adjustment
Release the parking brake control, using the parking brake release handle.
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the luggage compartment. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .
Pull the parking brake cable adjuster clip downward. The tensioner spring will take up the cable slack and preload the cables.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=6914&c=3

Push up on the bottom of the clip to lock the adjustment. If the clip does not slide up, move the assembly slightly to align the closest groove on the parking brake cable adjuster rod with the clip.

NOTE: If new cables are installed, allow 20 minutes prior to releasing the parking brake control.

Apply the parking brake control fully and release using the parking brake release handle.
Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 to complete the adjustment procedure.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Sam you are a life saver! I have my laptop in the garage on wireless so I can adjust my parking brake properly now. Thanks so much!

[SamF]

I know how it is when you need it, you need it! Good luck, happy to help. :D

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Hi, it turns out that it is as I suspected, the adjustment you posted is for the cable (gross parking brake adjustment). You also have a brake shoe adjuster on each side. This is what I don't have specifics on how to reset (especially since you can't adjust it with the disc on (unless there is a way to go through the backing plate, there probably is and I didn't check carefully). For now I just put it back together with the new disc without touching the shoe adjuster, I figure the new discs should have the same ID as the originals, which are just coming off at 23k miles. Anyone know how to adjust the individual shoe adjusters on each side, other than just "bring it out till it drags, then back off some"?

[SamF]

Parking Brake Shoe and Lining Adjustment
WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the luggage compartment. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

NOTE: Make sure the parking brake is fully released.

Using the release handle, release the parking brake control.
Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206-04 .
Inspect the parking brake shoes and drum for wear, damage or oil contamination. Install new components as necessary.
If the linings are oil contaminated, install a new rear axle oil seal. For additional information, refer to Section 205-02 .
Using a suitable brake adjusting gauge, measure the inside diameter of the drum portion of the rear brake disc. Record the measurement.
Using a suitable brake adjusting gauge, set the rear brake shoe and lining diameter to 0.5 mm (0.020 in) less than the inside diameter of the drum portion of the rear brake disc.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=6915&c=3

Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206-04 .
Test the parking brake for normal operation.


Time for a new tool :D Or, I am sure you can wing it to some extent, similar to the acura..

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Thanks, I'll check it with my digital clialiper next time I have it off. It doesn't drag at the stock setting and the E brake pedal still engages at about the same point so it can't be far off.

[JMan]

New Rotors - $250.00
New Adjusting Tool - $43.00
Help at a critical moment from MM.net brethren - PRICELESS

Way to go Sam! That's what it's all about!

J

[marauder410]

wakngg dead thread sorry so I can find it easier