Technical Topics No. 8
Parking Brake Adjustment.

Equaliser Assembly PHOTO 1 Rubber Plug PHOTO 2 Shoe/Drum adjustment PHOTO 3

The following is derived from the Holden Jackaroo Workshop Manual for the 1992+ model and is applicable to those Jackaroo's with rear disc brakes with drum parking-brakes.

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT.

Adjustment of Parking Brake Assembly Proper.

  1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support the vehicle on axle stands (remembering to securely chock the front wheels) and adjust the "shoe to drum" gap as follows (the vehicle must be on a level, firm surface and the vehicle must be stable);
  2. release the parking brake lever and select neutral gear,
  3. loosen the parking brake cable by loosening the nut on the equaliser assembly (see photo 1),
  4. remove the rubber adjusting hole plug from the back of the brake backing plate (see photo 2),
  5. turn the shoe adjusting screw downwards with a small screwdriver, or similar tool, so that the shoes expand and touch the drum. Continue to adjust the screw downwards notch by notch until the wheel will not turn (see photo 3),
  6. now turn the adjusting screw in the opposite direction (upwards) until the wheel can be turned lightly. The standard number of notches to turn upwards should be 7 or 8,
  7. rotate the wheel to ensure that there is no brake drag.
  8. Repeat this procedure for the other wheel.
Adjustment of Parking Brake Cable and Lever Travel.
  1. Tighten the nut on the equaliser assembly (photo 1) so that the parking brake lever travels 6 or 7 notches when pulled up with a force of 30 kg.
  2. Make sure there is not brake drag and tighten the cable lock nut (6 Nm or 60 kg-cm or 52 lb-in).
Parking Brake Shoe "Break-in".
Break-in procedure must be performed under safe conditions and with respect to road rules.
  1. When poor braking effect, from possible insufficient "break-in", is felt or just after replacement of parking brake shoes be sure to perform "break-in" as follows;
    1. Drive forward at 50 km/hr for 400 metres (about 30 seconds) with the parking brake lever pulled up with a force of 15 kg.,
    2. then drive backwards at 10 km/hr for 50 metres with the parking brake lever pulled up with a force of 15 kg.
    3. If braking effect still remains poor after the above "break-in", wait for some time until the parking brake shoes cool down and repeat the above procedure.
  1. On completion of the "break-in" procedure, check the parking brake lever stroke and if the travel does not come within the specified number of notches (6 or 7) when pulled up, readjust the parking brake cable.

  2. NOTE: Excessive "break-in" may cause premature wear of the parking brake linings.
This series of technical articles is of a general nature. The views expressed are not necessarily related to the Jackaroo, or any other make or model of vehicle. The content is believed to be accurate, but no responsibility can be accepted for errors or inaccuracies. If you have a problem with your vehicle you should consult a competent mechanic.
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