E brake questions

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-11-2012, 08:33 AM

It's been yrs since I last had to work on an e brake and then it was on a drum brake system.

On our cars how is the e brake adjusted?

**Knight** · 09-11-2012, 10:05 AM

There is a small wheel adjuster you can spin. I usually use a long flathead screwdriver and make small adjustments, sliding the disc on and off to check tightness. When the disc barely slides on, I'll back it off a touch, and check the lever feel.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-11-2012, 12:59 PM

where is it at?

I've already tried lifting the handle 3 times technique and no change.

Being a M6 I need the brake on hills, I hate using just the gear alone.

The other night I was in a hurry and thought I released the e brake, it was 3/4 up. The car just overpowered it like it wasn't even applied.

**Knight** · 09-11-2012, 04:36 PM

If you remove the caliper, and rotor, you should see the emergency brake shoe. It'll look like a horseshoe almost. At the bottom, you should see the adjuster.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-11-2012, 08:09 PM

Looks like I got a weekend project.....

**Spikito** · 09-11-2012, 08:30 PM

i need to do mine too

**Spikito** · 09-11-2012, 08:32 PM

is it only on one side, or both?

**Too Fast** · 09-12-2012, 02:48 AM

The parking (e-brake) is on both rears. This is a drum-in-hat design parking brake. The little brake drum in inside the hat portion of the rotor. It satisfies the government requirement for a back-up braking system, barely. For big hills, it works nicely for manual trans cars so inexperienced drivers don't roll backward if they can get the technique down. Also helps experienced drivers start off smoother on those steep hills.

**pajeff02** · 09-12-2012, 02:55 AM

Here's a pic of the e-brake shoe, Scott. There is a lever on the backing plate attached to a spreader that is similar to what you find on a drum brake equipped vehicle. The spreader has a star wheel that can be adjusted. I'd pull off the rotor and take a look at the condition of yours. My spreaders were pretty dry and the rubber boots had disintegrated.

**pajeff02** · 09-12-2012, 02:58 AM

Here's a view from the bottom:

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-12-2012, 07:23 AM

Looks very similar to drum break design.

so if mine is worn out how do you replace them?

Looking for replacements and come up with nothing. Not sure what to use for search criteria.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-12-2012, 07:27 AM

Never mind, just found them, they are listed as "parking break shoe".

Damn $90....

Edit....

Found them a little cheaper, still looking

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-12-2012, 07:30 AM

Which is better brand?

BENDIX or WAGNER

**Spikito** · 09-12-2012, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

Here's a view from the bottom:

so we adjust them with the small black wheel in the second picture?

**0rion** · 09-12-2012, 09:26 PM

I trust Bendix and Wagner equally.....if I have my choice I get Bendix though. Both are quality pads.

**Too Fast** · 09-13-2012, 02:26 AM

Yes you adjust them with the star wheel in the second picture. I trust Bendix and Wagner equally as well.

**2002ssslp** · 09-13-2012, 06:09 AM

When you finish you should have about eight clicks before you have a good hold.

***SMWS6TA*** · 09-17-2012, 08:06 AM

Went to a junk yard Sunday to get these for my 8.8 rear project. If I send a set to Moser they will press on the bearings for me. I can't send the ones on my car so I got these. It also let me look at the e break too. I thought the shoe was on both sides but it turns out it is only on the passenger side. The cable does connect to both sides to apply tension. I found that interesting.

Damn it photobucket is acting up again....I'll post a pic later...

**ls1camino** · 09-17-2012, 08:47 AM

Sub'd

When the shop welded my ebrake brackets on, they put them fair far back, so the e-brake doesn't adjust at all. I wonder if adjusting them would work or if I should just reweld them.