How do I adjust the parking brake on my 2007 Chevy 1500?

[Phil in MO]

It has drum brakes and shoes on the rear. I replaced the shoes on Saturday, but can't get the park brake to hold securely. It does have some hold, but not enough. Hopefully someone here has some experience they would share.

Thanks

["G"]

It should have a cable that you can adjust........under the truck you should see it.......make it shorter so it will pull more.

[raporter]

Just had my 2003 Z71 done and there is another drum inside the housing that has to be adjusted. Mine does have discs on the back so it may not be the same. As stated there is also a cable that can be adjusted. I have had this truck since new and all the adjustment was used up on it and I have never had it adjusted before. Had to come from the factory that way.

[Hanr3]

Negative.
The best way is to drive in reverse and apply the brakes. Back up and apply the brakes, they are self adjusting brakes. No doubt your rear brakes aren't working properly also. The parking brake and rear brakes are the same pads on drum brakes. If the only difference is you changed pads, then it is more than likley your brakes arent adjusted properly.

[Cray]

negative.
The best way is to drive in reverse and apply the brakes. Back up and apply the brakes, they are self adjusting brakes. No doubt your rear brakes aren't working properly also. The parking brake and rear brakes are the same pads on drum brakes. If the only difference is you changed pads, then it is more than likley your brakes arent adjusted properly.

x2

[Phil in MO]

Thanks guys, I'll give the back up and brake a try today. I did look at the cable several times, there is no adjustment there on this model of truck.

[rnvinc]

Thanks guys, I'll give the back up and brake a try today. I did look at the cable several times, there is no adjustment there on this model of truck.

Sometimes the self adjuster is stuck from brake dust and dirt...

The self adjuster is the threaded horizontal piece that holds the bottom section of the 2 shoes apart...

It may need some WD40...

Rickie

[Billbob]

amen

[Phil in MO]

I took it to a large parking lot this morning about 6am and worked it out in reverse, both with just the brake pedal and then the park brake. It did seem to tighten up, but I could still move under power which you would suspect. The real test is at the boat launch. Thanks for the input!

[Hanr3]

Each time you pump the brakes while in reverse it adjusts the lever. Driving in reverse does nothing to adjust the brakes, its the pumping of the brakes that adjusts them.