E-brake adjustment

[Joe Flanagan]

I've been trying to adjust my emergency brake according to the manual, but I can't get it so that it has enough clearance all around. If I adjust it so that I get .020 on the top and bottom, it's rubbing on the side where the small bolt with the spring goes. In fact, that side is constantly rubbing. I can back that bolt all the way out and it still rubs there. The only way I can get it so that the transmission turns freely is if I have the brake band loose and flapping around. I can get it very close to specs, but there is some dragging. I thought I read where Pete Anderson had a similar problem and just ran it until it wore itself in. Does anyone A: know what the problem might be, and B: know if wearing it in like that is wise?

[Don Coatney]

I dont have the factory e-brake on my car. But if I did I would think some wear in time will fix your problem.

[Young Ed]

I agree. Put it back to close and let that side wear a little.

[greg g]

set it up looser than spec, and see if it holds the car. I know the test used to be to set the brake, put the car in third and if the engine stalls when you let out the clutch you're good to go as long as it releases completely at that setting.

[Niel Hoback]

Backing the small bolt out on the passenber side moves the band closer to the drum. Turn the bolt in to move the band out. This is the first adjustment you make.

After you have the side adjustment made, wire the bolt head and make the bottom adjustment by turning the big nut on the bottom. Turn the little round head screw to make the top adjustment last.

This is my best reccollection from the shop manual, which is not with me at the moment.

[Joe Flanagan]

Niel, I suspected that might be the case with that bolt. I tried backing it out to see what it would change but I didn't see that it made a difference. I will take another look at it this weekend. If I can't get adjusted right I'll put it back where I had it and let it wear in.

[suntennis]

I purchased a relined emergency brake band from Burnbaum that was such a sung fit at the mid bolt area, I took it to a local brake reline shop and had them replace the lining with the next thickest material. Now it is possible to adjust all three areas. The car is always going to be parked in gear with or without the E brake on.

[Guest P15-D24]

or missing a rivet or bolt. I had a similar issue years ago, finally pulled it off the tranny and took it apart. Found a broken bracket holder that kept moving when tried to adjust the shoe.

[Joe Flanagan]

I've had the whole thing apart and there is nothing broken. The overdrive is a new addition to the vehicle but the brake band came with the overdrive.