Rear parking brake not holding!

[Bored_2wd]

I've got a disk braked axle out of an explorer. Recently it started not holding. My driveway is slanted and I've got a manual 5-speed, so I kinda need the parking brake to work. Do I just need to replace the parking brake pads, or do I have to replace more than that? How much do those cost? I know the rotors are expensive.
--Bob

 

[Howard]

Have you adjusted them? Inside rear wheel at the bottom there is a small rubber bung. Just remove and use a screwdriver to move the star wheel inside. Replace the bung. Job done. Haynes says to jack the wheel and fully tighten then back off eight clicks. Hope this helps.

PS the e-brake is not connected to the discs and works on it's own drum that is part of the disc. Just like the old rod brakes.

 

[Bored_2wd]

Thanks, I'll try adjusting them that way. Which way do I move the star thing?

I was thinking if the small e-brake pads are gone, they might be pretty expensive since the rotors for the explorers are so expensive, but I may be wrong. Thanks for the reply!
--Bob

 

[Howard]

I can't remember which way you turn them but as you got to lock it up it soon becomes obvious. I think up tightens but could be wrong. All the best.

 

[Bored_2wd]

Thanks everyone! I adjusted the star nut on each side, and for the first time since I put in the Explorer rear axle, I have a working parking brake! It's strong enough to lock up the rear wheels at 25 mph. this is awesome!

So often it's the little things that make it nice, you know?
--Bob

 

[Hartman]

Originally posted by Bored_2wd
It's strong enough to lock up the rear wheels at 25 mph. this is awesome!

I hope you didn't try that...

 

[Howard]

Glad it was something simple Bob. Now if only I could get mine to hold......

 

[williecume]

bored_2wd which way did you trun the star? up or down.

 

[Bored_2wd]

The star nut is a regular threaded unit, so it's up to expand the brakes, down to loosen the brakes. on my truck, the star adjusting thing was not centered in the opening in the housing, but I looked with a flashlight, and could see the 'head' of the adjusting bolt. Once I saw that, it was pretty easy to figure out which way to go. Hope this helps!
--Bob

 

[williecume]

cool, thanks. i'll see if i can do it tonight.