[USMC_Spike]

Question:

Can I adjust my rear brakes as I did with GM
by driving backwards then forward, then back?

If I can't do that then what is a simple way to adjust the rear
brakes.

I'm getting soft pedal feel and with pressure sometimes they will
lock up so I think it is adjustment time.

Cheers,

Spike

[IanB]

I believe using the ebrake tensions the rear brakes on these trucks. I'm not 100% on that however.

[tek9]

I found this guide that covers the brakes pretty well:

How to change brake shoes / drum brakes | Mike's Tech Blog

Hope it helps.

[Shibby!]

Either hitting the brakes firmly in reverse, or rolling backwards (on a slight hill climb) and repeated tensioning of the e-brake will do it.

Few words of WARNING:

Our brake systems are known to have issues adjusting. Especially aftermarket pads/parts.

Keep an eye on temperature after the above method. Ideally, you should raise the rear of the vehicle with stands/stops and adjust by hand and noise. Pull the rubber plugs and use a flat blade screwdriver to turn adjuster a couple clicks at a time till you hear light rubbing. The adjuster only turns one way unless you move the release with a second screw driver. Do both wheels. Once again, keep an eye on temperature. Shift to neutral or pull clutch and make sure vehicle moves freely when it should.

[Richard808]

i believe you can pull the e brake a bunch of times to adjust it. Just hold the button and engage and disengage it a bunch of times. I had to pull mine probably 50 times after doing new brake shoes. mines a 96. not sure if it is different on later years.

[mmml4]

Use your parking brake on a regular basis and they will stay adjusted.

[TheDurk]

Sounds to me like you need to pull the drums and do a clean and lube and then adjust. You will also be able to be sure you don't have leaking axle seals which could allow oil to get onto the shoes, easily causing your symptoms. (Oil causes crappy braking, but it can also swell shoes and make them lock up.)

Just doesn't sound like a simple adjustment issue to me. Have you any idea when they were last serviced, or at least inspected?

[Stallion Motors]

Originally Posted by TheDurk

Sounds to me like you need to pull the drums and do a clean and lube and then adjust. You will also be able to be sure you don't have leaking axle seals which could allow oil to get onto the shoes, easily causing your symptoms. (Oil causes crappy braking, but it can also swell shoes and make them lock up.)

Just doesn't sound like a simple adjustment issue to me. Have you any idea when they were last serviced, or at least inspected?

I came here to post this exact comment.

+1

Tom

[Shibby!]

Originally Posted by TheDurk

(Oil causes crappy braking, but it can also swell shoes and make them lock up.)

I read the part of lock-up and breezed over it slightly confused. This is correct.

Pop the drums off. Probably bad news coming. =(