Parking Brake Shoe Replacement
How are parking brake shoe issues diagnosed?
If the parking brake lever fails to engage the parking brake, the parking brake cable is normally out of adjustment, however, this could also be the result of a damaged parking brake. If the parking brake cable is intact, and properly adjusted, yet the parking brakes do not engage, a failed parking brake is most likely the culprit. This will be noted as the parking brake will actuate at the wheel, but not sufficiently to hold the vehicle while in gear or on a hill. If this is the case, the wheel and tire must be removed, followed by the brake caliper, brake caliper bracket, and finally the rear brake rotor, which contains the auxiliary brake drum. Upon removal of these components, any breakage or wear patterns may be immediately noticed by the servicing technician.
How is a parking brake shoe replaced?
Replacement is typically a dirty job, as the auxiliary parking brake is mounted to the service brakes, therefore being subjected to road grime, brake dust, high temperatures, moisture, and salt. The rear wheels must be removed to allow access to the brakes. Afterwards, the rear brake caliper must be removed from the rear brake caliper mounting bracket, and then the rear brake caliper mounting bracket must be removed. The rear brake caliper must be hung out of the way to prevent damage to brake lines. Once these items are out of the way, the combination rear brake rotor and auxiliary drum, which is one individual component, is removed, exposing the auxiliary parking brake shoes and mounting hardware. In cases of extreme damage or wear, this may prove to be an extremely difficult task. The brake shoes and mounting hardware are then removed, and replaced. If wear or grooving are noted on the inner lining of the auxiliary brake drum, the rear service brakes must be replaced as well to ensure proper parking brake operation. Installation is the reverse order of these operations, and, if necessary, adjustment of the parking brake cable is performed before the vehicle is returned to the ground.