parking adjustment advice

[bcorwin]

I did my rear rotors a couple of weeks ago, and did it with the parking brake on, bad me.
The manual says to adjust the parking brake by removing the rotors. Too much work, but the handle comes way up and just barely locks the car in place.

Any easier way to shorten the pull on the brake handle and adjust the parking break?

[Orcus79]

should be able to acess the star wheel adjuster from the backing plate via a small hole at the bottom. use a flat bladed screwdriver to turn it.

[c5z28]

I need to do it to if what orcus said is right make sure you do both sides evenly (so I was told)

[Orcus79]

very right, well as even as possible. if you spin the wheels after adjust you can get close by matching the amount of drag on each side with the brakes off.

[c5z28]

very right, well as even as possible. if you spin the wheels after adjust you can get close by matching the amount of drag on each side with the brakes off.

Well I need to find the hole then
Any specific area to look around, because that sounds much nicer than trying to take off the rotors.

[Orcus79]

right on the bottom of the back plate centered under the axle, may or may not have a rubber plug covering it, almost looks like a drain hole.

[c5z28]

I'll give that a look thanks for the help.

[Cutlass]

I didn't think these have a adjustment access hole. I think you'll need to remove the rotors.

[Orcus79]

Wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong.

[bcorwin]

So for a '99, is there an access in the back plate?I guess I have to jack the whole rear, find the hole, spin the wheel and be sure the drag is about the same on both wheels?

[Cutlass]

no access hole. here's the procedure from the service manual.

Parking Brake Shoe Adjustment

Important: Do not operate the park brake lever while the rotor is removed.

1. Remove the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
2. Disconnect the rear cable from the brake shoe lever.
3. Pull on the lever until there is a firm stop. Release the lever and measure free lever travel at the cable interface. If the travel is less than 10 mm, adjustment is complete. If the travel is more than 10 mm, further adjust brake shoe.
4. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
5. Rotate the adjustment nut with a screwdriver in order to extend the slotted tappet in order to increase the gap between the adjuster nut and the screw by .38 mm.
6. Install the rotor onto the axle mounting flange.

Ensure that the rotor is flush against the flange. Use two hand-tightened lugnuts in order to keep the rotor in position.

7.Measure the lever (free) travel per step 2. Repeat the adjuster in order to obtain the ideal 3-8 mm free travel of the brake shoe lever.
8. Check the rotor for drag. The rotor must rotate freely within the stud hole clearance.
9. Install rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels

[Orcus79]

What he said. Best way to make sure it's done right.

[Smittro]

should be able to acess the star wheel adjuster from the backing plate via a small hole at the bottom. use a flat bladed screwdriver to turn it.

very right, well as even as possible. if you spin the wheels after adjust you can get close by matching the amount of drag on each side with the brakes off.

right on the bottom of the back plate centered under the axle, may or may not have a rubber plug covering it, almost looks like a drain hole.

Wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong.

Hey bro you just described how to adjust drum brakes. No biggy it happens..

[Orcus79]

lol what can I say, I learned on old school muscle and metal, the new stuff is confusing.