Parking brakes suddenly loose.

[tomloans]

Thank you all in advance. I replaced the parking brake shoes about 20k Miles ago. They have been great since. I tow a boat and when backing into the water, these brakes are essential as the I can't have the entire weight of the tow package and trailer on the transmission. That horrible clunking sound always makes me cringe. In any case, here is what is happening.

Suddenly when depressing the pedal, it is soft now and when backing in the boat, it is slowly slipping. So I thought that was odd. Went below and notice the cable hadn't slipped but I tightened it even further. Went to back in again last week and it held for a moment, then I heard this metallic clink sound and it started once again to slip. I just tested both sides and they are both holding somewhat. I tested both sides hoping I would find the one side and only dig into that side only, but both hold somewhat.

Any helpful advise would be great. Thank you.

 

[swathdiver]

You can try adjusting them via the actuator and or at the junction of the three cables along the driver's side frame (some are not adjustable here). At this age it may need replacement of the actuator and cables. The cables stretch.

I've fooled around with adjusting mine several times, got it to hold a little better but going to change the actuator and three cables when I switch axles. A few years ago one member on here was having trouble with his and the dealer got them adjusted for about an hour's worth of labor. The labor book says .9 hours.

Let me re-state this. The clearance between the parking brake shoes and the drum is less than 1 mm. You have to disable the parking brake actuator, adjust the shoes and then enable the actuator. Then the actuator tension can be adjusted via the pedal.

I've included the instructions for my generation truck which came right after yours.

 

[tomloans]

You can try adjusting them via the actuator and or at the junction of the three cables along the driver's side frame (some are not adjustable here). At this age it may need replacement of the actuator and cables. The cables stretch.

I've fooled around with adjusting mine several times, got it to hold a little better but going to change the actuator and three cables when I switch axles. A few years ago one member on here was having trouble with his and the dealer got them adjusted for about an hour's worth of labor. The labor book says .9 hours.

Let me re-state this. The clearance between the parking brake shoes and the drum is less than 1 mm. You have to disable the parking brake actuator, adjust the shoes and then enable the actuator. Then the actuator tension can be adjusted via the pedal.

I've included the instructions for my generation truck which came right after yours.

Thank you. Why does it have to be so complicated? The issue with mine is that it was sudden. One trip it was strong and tight with pushing the pedal down about 3/4 way down. The next I had to push it to the floor and I was still slipping. What are your thoughts.

 

[swathdiver]

Thank you. Why does it have to be so complicated? The issue with mine is that it was sudden. One trip it was strong and tight with pushing the pedal down about 3/4 way down. The next I had to push it to the floor and I was still slipping. What are your thoughts.

Stuff wears out and breaks, even when we service it. Like mine, your actuator is probably done for and needs replacing.

Mine came with the kind you set with your foot and release by pulling on a handle. I'm going to replace with it with the kind that sets and releases by foot.

 

[tomloans]

Stuff wears out and breaks, even when we service it. Like mine, your actuator is probably done for and needs replacing.

Mine came with the kind you set with your foot and release by pulling on a handle. I'm going to replace with it with the kind that sets and releases by foot.

I just went through the entire assembly and replaced it all just 20k miles ago. Alright well thank you for the reply.

 

[afpj]

you may have to check if the shoes are still good…I’ve heard of some Nonoem shoes falling apart pretty quick. In my mind, it’s almost a tie which is more of a pita: removing drum hat or adjusting the cables like what swathdiver linked. Good luck

 

[MassHoe04]

I have seen cables pull tight, but not return to release position, due to corrosion inside the cable shield...

You want to be sure the actuator bit that expands the e-brake shoe and the cables move freely. Cables get all rusty and corroded. Especially, if the truck is in and out of water like a boat ramp... Salt water is even tougher on those parts. Lubrication on the cable strands and working it in can be a big help in keeping things moving.

 

[89Suburban]

I just went through the entire assembly and replaced it all just 20k miles ago. Alright well thank you for the reply.

I had a lining pop off my parking brake shoe that was only about a year old. I also had a weeping axle seal that would oil up the other one and make it slip. First thing is first, you gotta pull the wheels and rotors and check all the hardware. The shoes, the self adjusters, the cables.

I also daily a trailer to the boat ramp so I feel you. Do you notice one side grabbing better than the other at all?

 

[tomloans]

I had a lining pop off my parking brake First thing is first, you gotta pull the wheels and rotors and check all the hardware. The shoes, the self adjusters, shoe that was only about a year old. I also had a weeping axle seal that would oil up the other one and make it slip. the cables.

I also daily a trailer to the boat ramp so I feel you. Do you notice one side grabbing better than the other at all?

Yep I am now convinced, I will need to pull it all off again. Seemed the same holding on both sides but frankly it is not easy to tell. I will pull it all off again. Likely I lost another lining. Last time both linings on one side were gone but that was after 100k miles. I think the fact that we put heavy use on those shoes as with a trailer on a ramp may be the reason these linings break off so easy. I will report once I break it down.

 

[tomloans]

Curious if there is an after market that is stronger and more reliable.

 

[89Suburban]

Yep I am now convinced, I will need to pull it all off again. Seemed the same holding on both sides but frankly it is not easy to tell. I will pull it all off again. Likely I lost another lining. Last time both linings on one side were gone but that was after 100k miles. I think the fact that we put heavy use on those shoes as with a trailer on a ramp may be the reason these go so easy. I will report once I break it down.

Tis the life of the hard core boaters! Yup it sucks because you want to have the parts on hand IF there is something broken. But if you don't wind up using them or just one shoe, it puts a spare on the shelf for you. I've also had an adjuster break and snap on me right on the boat ramp. I'd recommend replacing them anyway.

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[tomloans]

Tis the life of the hard core boaters! Yup it sucks because you want to have the parts on hand IF there is something broken. But if you don't wind up using them or just one shoe, it puts a spare on the shelf for you. I've also had an adjuster break and snap on me right on the boat ramp. I'd recommend replacing them anyway.

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Brake & Wheel Hub Parts and More for Your 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

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2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE 5.3L V8 Parking Brake Shoe | Shop Now at RockAuto

Brake & Wheel Hub Parts and More for Your 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

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Yep I am going to order the parts and just replace everything again. Amazon I thought had a GM kit for about $65. But I will check out your links as well. Thank you for the input! Definitely gives me confidence to just pull the wheels and get it down.

 

[tomloans]

OK so I took everything apart and put it all back together with all the new parts. Works great now. Not sure what happened here. Brake pads were solid. Maybe the pin inside the cylinder came loose in there. I don't know but it is back to normal. I changed out everything again. I wish I could tell you guys what happened here.

T

 

[rockola1971]

OK so I took everything apart and put it all back together with all the new parts. Works great now. Not sure what happened here. Brake pads were solid. Maybe the pin inside the cylinder came loose in there. I don't know but it is back to normal. I changed out everything again. I wish I could tell you guys what happened here.

T

That is very odd that you didnt find anything that stood out like a part broken off or in half or something. And now it all works....unless it was just misadjusted (Adjusters froze). Our setups are pretty easy to work on and even total rebuild as long as its done properly. But youd be surprised with the amount of grown men out there that havent been taught the difference between a primary and secondary brake shoe. (Not that we have them since the ebrake is a horseshoe on ours).

 

[tomloans]

That is very odd that you didnt find anything that stood out like a part broken off or in half or something. And now it all works....unless it was just misadjusted (Adjusters froze). Our setups are pretty easy to work on and even total rebuild as long as its done properly. But youd be surprised with the amount of grown men out there that havent been taught the difference between a primary and secondary brake shoe. (Not that we have them since the ebrake is a horseshoe on ours).

Yeah I am suspect for sure. The only thing that keeps coming to mind is the metallic clink sound a few seconds after I engaged the parking brakes at the boat ramp ( before this replacement ). It was tight before that sound and then it started to slide slowly down hill. Well this saga may not end here. I will be back if anything new comes up.

 

[89Suburban]

OK so I took everything apart and put it all back together with all the new parts. Works great now. Not sure what happened here. Brake pads were solid. Maybe the pin inside the cylinder came loose in there. I don't know but it is back to normal. I changed out everything again. I wish I could tell you guys what happened here.

T

That's great!