Setting the Parking Brake

[scoutpappa]

It's been a while but I've actually been accomplishing things on my own and getting through small issues by checking the appropriate threads. In this case I can't find squat so here we go. In tx the parking brake has to work for inspection and of course mine is weak. So I took my manual and got the Scout off the ground. Basically stock 79 with a Dana 44, possibly trac lock (both wheels spin together opposing) and 11 1/2" drums. Dropped the drums and all parts are still there. Brake shoes are the riveted type and have an 1/8 of an inch or more of material before it gets to the rivet. The passenger side self regulating rod was loose so tightened per the instructions. Verified operation of the cable to the long rod verified the small cable off of the "h" bracket was not loose. Seems like the piece the brake cable attaches to on the drivers side is binding a little against the h arm when released but the brakes let go. So bleed, get the drums on, get the tires on and off the ground I can't spin the tires. Get the truck back on the ground and push forward can't move the truck. Push the truck backwards and it moves. Not like there is no brake on but I can push it backwards. With the truck running and in drive the brake will hold but as soon as I give it gas it will move (this is what the shop does to test the brakes, I don't like the idea of testing a parking brake by gassing a high torque motor but what do I know) and in reverse there is a drag but the Scout will move immediately. So what am I missing here? All the parts from the cab back are present. The cable actuates through the whole route. I have played with the adjustment at the y. I bled the brakes after. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Michael Mayben]

All of the parking brake actuation system must be very free to move and apply the parking levers and easily release. Most problems with this stuff is due to partially seized components and extreme lack of lubrication.

The actual application of the parking brake system on these (and any similar) vehicles does not generate much"lock-up" of the brake set itself. It does generate more application thrust for the vehicle in reverse than in a forward gear.

To actually lubricate the cable system, I use any form of "chain lube" as made for motorcycle and industrial chains. The stuff flows freely into the wires and then does a semi-harden as the solvent flashes off.

After doing a total lubrication I think you will be impressed with how easily the parking brake system then works and the fact that it does hold more evenly when forced.

 

[scoutpappa]

Got her lubed up all the way down with bar chain oil. My scenario seems somewhat different. I can't push the truck forward with the brake engaged (I am 280lb bodybuilder). I can push the truck backwards. There is some drag but it can be pushed. The brake assembley is actuating better with the lube job. The cable engages and releases with no issues. The lube job made more of a difference than the pb blaster I used yesterday. I held the release and actuated the cable repeatedly tio make sure the lube worked its' way in. I can hear the drums moving so I'm not real sure. What can keep reverse from holding but not forward. The write up in the manual says the seconday pads take the brunt of the stopping duty in this scenario. I mean I'm no brake expert but the whole self setting system in this rearend seems to be pretty well engineered.