How to Adjust Emergency Brake?

I was at the boat launch the other day and my E-Brake would NOT hold from the sounds of it i could 'hear it' rubbing when engaged but could not hold the truck; boat trailer so i could get out and launch my boat.

Unless i missed something during my search using the search function i did not find anything on the topic.

Can someone post up a guide or hotlink so i can get this adjusted. As it stands i have to have someone that knows how to either run a boat or back a trailer in if i want to launch the boat.

 

The first step is to make sure your rear brakes are adjusted properly.

ADJUSTMENT WITH ADJUSTING TOOL
(1) Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.
(2) Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated freely.
(3) Remove plug from each access hole in brake support plates.
(4) Loosen parking brake cable adjustment nut until there is slack in front cable.
(5) Insert adjusting tool through support plate access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting screw star wheel.
(6) Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when wheel is rotated.
(7) Push and hold adjuster lever away from star wheel with thin screwdriver.
(8) Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake drag is eliminated.
(9) Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure adjustment is equal at both wheels.
(10) Install support plate access hole plugs.
(11) Adjust parking brake cable and lower vehicle.
(12) Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed
by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10 times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize adjustment.
NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate automatic adjusters.

You really do need to stand on the pedal to get the adjusters to work. If you find them hard to turn when you adjust them manually, pull the drum. They can/do freeze up and in that case won't self adjust. Also check the condition of the adjusting cable.

 

Thanks; figured it was something like that.. been hearing the rear drums drag too when the truck is still cold. Same sound happened when i had the e brake engaged at the lake and it didnt hold. lol

 

So this is the adjustment? I'm used to working on Fords; they have 2 lines that run to one bracket; then the main cable has an adjustment; this is different than what I'm used to. Does this one bolt adjust both sides at once or just for the right side as it would appear (By the design)

Is there a specific adjustment for the right side as well? With the Park/E-Brake fully engaged; i can move the truck with about 900 RPM.
(Not sure if that helps any)

All i know is at the boat ramp i put the brake on fully and the truck wanted to roll back.. so this is very critical.

 

It adjusts both sides at once.

PARK BRAKE CABLE TENSIONER

NOTE: Tensioner adjustment is only necessary when the tensioner, or a cable has been replaced or disconnected for service. When adjustment is necessary, perform adjustment only as described in the following procedure. This is necessary to avoid faulty park brake operation.
(1) Raise vehicle.
(2) Back off cable tensioner adjusting nut at equalizer to create slack in cables.
(3) Remove rear wheel/tire assemblies. Then remove brake drums.
(4) Verify brakes are in good condition and operating properly.
(5) Verify park brake cables operate freely and are not binding, or seized.
(6) Check rear brake shoe adjustment with standard brake gauge.
(7) Install drums and verify that drums rotate freely without drag.
(8) Reinstall wheel/tire assemblies after brake shoe adjustment is complete.
(9) Lower vehicle enough for access to park brake foot pedal. Then fully apply park brakes.
NOTE: Leave park brakes applied until adjustment is complete.
(10) Raise vehicle again.
(11) Mark tensioner rod 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) from edge of tensioner bracket (Fig. 59).
(12) Tighten adjusting nut at equalizer until mark on tensioner rod moves into alignment with tensioner bracket.
CAUTION: Do not loosen, or tighten the tensioner adjusting nut for any reason after completing adjustment.
(13) Lower vehicle until rear wheels are 15-20 cm (6-8 in.) off shop floor.
(14) Release park brake foot pedal and verify that rear wheels rotate freely without drag. Then lower vehicle.