[jpd37]

I have a GM rear axle with drum brakes and self adjusters. Is there any correlation between the tension (or lack of) on the parking brake and the proper functioning of the self adjusters? I ma not using the rear drums as my parking (emergency) brake. Therefore the cables are not in use. My self-adjusters do not work and I was wondering if the cables should have tension to make the self-adjusters work? Any advice would be appreciated.

[adtkart]

The parking brake cables have nothing to do with the operation of the self adjusters. If possible, post a photo of the brake set-up and maybe someone can see what is the problem.

[5.0Falcon]

no i do not believe their is any direct relation between the parking brake tension and the self adjusters.

1st your not using the parking brake in the rear so do you not have a cable operated parking brake?

2nd your self adjusters are a very important component of your brake system you may not relize that till you rear end some one. I had a mustang that was a parts car but i drove it tempararly till i stripped it down, but i had one self adjuster that did not work the result during heavy use of the brakes my R.R. adjuster would drop out (i was missing pieces for the adjuster and parking brake) and the brakes would not expand; the result, more pedal travel and a considerably longer stop zone (yea i missed that turn) i considered it very unsafe + i had no e brake to rely on

all i can say is take your braking components safely or youll be redoing your front sheetmetal too....and we dont want that.

[trees]

GM rear adjusters are pretty simple and reliable, but require some maintenance. Failure to work is usually the lack of maintenance. Each time I replace my brake shoes, I remove the adjusters and unscrew them, being careful not to lose the little washer on each of them. After cleaning both parts with a good solvent, I wire brush the male threaded end. I then apply some Never-Seize to both thread surfaces and re-assemble. After installation, I make a manual adjustment to get close and then make several stops when going in reverse to get the final adjustment. If you check your adjusters, you will probably find them very difficult to turn by hand on not able to turn them at all.

Trees

[sbchevfreak]

the park brake cables don't have any direct relation to the adjusters, except that they must be in the fully released position to properly adjust the shoes. are you really talking abouth the p. brake cables? or do you mean the auto adjuster cable that runs from the anchor pin, around the guide on the rear shoe, and hooks to the adjuster arm? it is common for the cable guides to come loose or be improperly mounted, and the cable will fall in between the shoe and the cable guide. this will cause the cable to not get enough tension to ratchet the adjuster. if the adjusters are siezed, or sticky, take them apart and clean them. i would advise not using any kind of grease or liquid lubricant, as this will basically attract brake dust and dirt, and re - sieze your adjusters. i would reccomend using a dry graphite lube, dust and stuff will not stick to it!!