Rear brake problem need help

[PDGUN]

01 sr5 4wd runner, im having to adjust the rear brakes almost every month, what happens is this, after adjustment the E-brake lever when pulled up only pulls a short distance after a few weeks of driving and E-brake use the E-brake lever edges its way almost to the top barley holding the car on a minor hill if that. is there a fix to this problem?

 

[Dous]

Any idea how much life is left on the shoes?

 

[PDGUN]

Any idea how much life is left on the shoes?

more then 50%

 

[mmml4]

Sounds like there is a problem with the self adjuster. I would get it up on jack stands, pull the drum and get someone to pull up on the parking brake and see whats moving or not.

 

[Drcoffee]

Sounds like the brake shoes are not resetting when you release the E brake and the shoes are wearing down. You will need to pull the drum and see if the lever is rusted and not moving freely. The adjustor is not working either by your description.

 

[Nitewulf]

Also be a good idea to check for a binding cable, it may not be fully releasing, thus causing premature brake wear. Are there any heat checks in the drums? Discoloration of the metal can indicate dragging shoes.

 

[PDGUN]

Thanks guys,

I checked for rust and did not find any the first time around, the cable releases the brake no problem and after adjusting the brakes the E-brake the lever holds the car at the bottom then little by little goes to the top hence needing adjustment again and again .... gonna pull the wheels off this weekend and try again.
this will be the third time in two months.

 

[PDGUN]

Apparently the previous brake job was not assembled properly, having taken the drums off the first time we only checked for pad life, after taking the drums off this time and taking a closer look voila there it was poor reassembly by the previous mechanic, now the E-brake lever catches at the bottom and over all stopping power has improved tremendously. hope it stays that way.