Stuck Parking Brake (Rear Drum Brake)
 

The Ranger I am driving has a problem with the parking brake. The brake felt like it released when I pulled the release lever, but one of the wheels is still engaged with the brake.

I can get the truck to drive, but it is very slow and drags quite a bit because the brake is engaged. Of course, it smells horrible, too. It seems to work OK in reverse.

The culprit, the rear-right wheel, has a very hot brake drum after I drive it around a bit. The dragging is so significant that I figure I am probably getting about 5 miles per gallon.

What is the easiest way to loosen this rear-right brake system? I am thinking I wouldn't be able to even get the drum off if it is still basically engaged.

Can I adjust that little "star" bolt through the hole that is covered with the little piece of rubber?

Ideas? I am really tired of smelling brake dust.

Thanks
Tim

One, stop driving the truck! Two, back the shoes off with the star adjuster so you can pull the drum off. Three, free up and lubricate (using grease approved for brake applications) the parking brake assembly within the drum. They tend to corrode if left unused and then lock in the engaged position once released.

Also, while youre in there you may as well replace the brake shoes you have more than likely destroyed and possibly the drum if its been overheated which it probably has been.

Hey 01, thanks for the reply. First off, I feel like an idiot driving it - but I just wanted to get it back home.

Anyways - the STAR ADJUSTER - I thought it only TIGHTENED up the system, not loosened it. If it is indeed possible to loosen the system, do you know which way I want to rotate it? "UP" as I look at it through the little slot, or "DOWN"? Also, it is possible to just rotate it, or is there some sort or "stopper" that keeps it from rotating freely and easily?

Thanks!!

Yes you should be able to loosen the adjuster also, Ive done it in the past to get a stuck drum off. There is a detent that keeps the star wheel from turning, you have to push that out of the way with a flat head screw driver so you can turn the wheel. I dont know off the top of my head which way you need to turn it though, sorry.

The direction that the ratchet mechanism allows the star wheel to turn tightens the adjustment. You will have to adjust the opposite direction while holding the latch up.

up is in, down is out. you will want to adjust them upward but you will have to most likely hold the dogleg out of the way to get it to adjust inward