How Grabby Can I Adjust The Parking Brake?

BCXterra

Bought an X
Out on a very very steep track yesterday, I had to use the parking brake for a hill start assist on my manual trans truck. Had a bit of rolling going on. It’s usually fine in normal situations, but this was steep.

My question is, just how tight or grabby can I set my parking brake before any other issues pop up? I am often out with my 4yo as a co-pilot, and as good company he is, he is fairly limited for hoping out to drop a rock behind a wheel if needed!
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Out on a very very steep track yesterday, I had to use the parking brake for a hill start assist on my manual trans truck. Had a bit of rolling going on. It’s usually fine in normal situations, but this was steep.

My question is, just how tight or grabby can I set my parking brake before any other issues pop up? I am often out with my 4yo as a co-pilot, and as good company he is, he is fairly limited for hoping out to drop a rock behind a wheel if needed!

Fist thing to look into is the condition of your drums and shoes. Make sure they are within spec. My Cherokee always had iffy rear brakes until I replaced the old drums. That made a world of difference in both regular braking and the park brake.

The way I adjust drum brakes is to tighten them till you can't turn the drum by hand with the tires off, then loosen till it turns freely. If your drums are too worn, this can cause the rear brakes to get very grabby, especially in wet weather.
 
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