Parking Brake Doesn't Work after Changing Rear Brake Shoes
 

Today, I completed a rear brake job, changing the rear shoes, without problem. I carefully noted spring positions and the parking brake assembly and confirmed that on reassembly everything matched how it looked before disassembly.

I was unable to remove the parking brake cable from the metal structures that attach to the brake shoes, so I only changed the rear brake shoe and all springs (there was no replacement star wheel in my hardware kit). I did NOT damage or excessively twist the parking brake cable.

There is no dragging and my brakes are quiet, but the parking brake does NOT work. I tightened the nut in the cabin area all the way down, such that I only get 7 clicks on the parking brake when I pull on it. Suggestions?

I was unable to remove the parking brake cable from the metal structures that attach to the brake shoes,

thats about right...... only go that far if replacing the actual cable



7 clicks and the drums don't hold ... almost got it .... you are close

two ways

1...current trend in workshops

take drum off again

click up that top adjuster (in pic ) so you can get the drum back on

should be some drag noise on the shoes ... when you try to spin the drum

fit the tyre

do the other side same way

how many click on the lever hold the tyre

adjust the handbrake cable


2..the old school fix

with the handbrake lever off

rear wheels off the ground safely (car stands )

you go to the backing plate of the rear brakes you should see a plug or a slot

with a screw driver or brake adjusting tool search inside till you find that upper adjuster in pic

when you click the adjuster the right way the drum is holding the tyre ...then back the adjuster off so there is some drag


you do the other side drum the same way

then test the hand brake adjust the handbrake cable if required


if done correctly

i would be happy with 5 clicks and the rear handbrake holds both wheels

Attachment 3811

When I finished installing the new brake shoes, I had to tighten the star wheel all the way to get the drum on. Is that the problem?

When I'm rotating that star and facing it, do I push it away or toward me?

Thanks

Just to be clear, seven clicks is the most number of clicks I can pull the parking brake (it was 14 clicks without response when I first adjusted it). Even when I pull it seven clicks, the parking brakes does NOT engage.

5 to 7 clicks is good if the handbrake holds ..

you are spot on
that star wheel has to be adjusted again outwards
you need the new brake shoes to drag on the drum as you rotate the tyre by hand

direction is trial and error ..

the star wheel adjuster is a different rotation for either side .of the car ..to make the shoes go out to touch the drum

work that out ... and your brakes should be be good to go

if still a problem

the handbrake cables might be stretched or the brake drums out of round