When installing a full four-wheel disc conversion kit or rear disc brake conversion kit, one important consideration is the adjustment of the rear parking brake. While adjusting the parking brake may seem daunting, it's a critical step to ensure optimal brake performance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of adjusting the rear parking brake on calipers included in several of our four-wheel disc conversion kits, simplifying the process and ensuring your brakes work flawlessly every time.
Understanding Rear Parking Brake Adjustment:
Adjusting the rear parking brake is essential to ensure proper brake pad engagement and prevent issues like spongy brake feel or difficulty in bleeding the brakes. While some methods may involve removing the brake arm, our technique eliminates the need for disassembly, making it easier and more efficient.
Step-by-Step Adjustment Process:
- Prepare the Vehicle: Before adjusting the parking brake, ensure that the caliper is fully installed on the axle, with brake pads and rotor in place. Use a lug nut to secure the rotor against the axle flange for accurate measurement.
- Dry Adjustment: It's crucial to perform the adjustment with the caliper dry, without brake lines connected or brake fluid present. This ensures accurate adjustment and prevents messiness during the process.
- Use Vice Grips: Utilize a pair of vice grips to hold the brake arm during adjustment. The goal is to activate the emergency brake mechanism by pulling and releasing the arm, allowing the piston to adjust without disassembly.
- Snap Back Action: Pull the vice grips to activate the emergency brake mechanism, then release to allow the arm to snap back. Repeat this action approximately 10 to 15 times to adjust the piston position gradually.
- Monitor Adjustment: As you perform the snap back action, observe the movement of the piston inside the caliper. The goal is to achieve uniform adjustment on both sides of the caliper, ensuring balanced brake pad engagement.
- Measure Gap: After adjusting, measure the gap between the brake arm and the stop built into the caliper. Aim for a gap between 1/8th and 1/4th of an inch to prevent overadjustment and maintain optimal brake performance.
- Final Checks: Ensure that the adjustment is consistent on both sides of the caliper and that the piston position is within the specified range. This will prevent issues like spongy brake feel and facilitate smooth brake operation.
In Conclusion:
Adjusting the rear parking brake on your vehicle's calipers is a straightforward process that ensures proper brake performance and reliability. By following our step-by-step guide and utilizing simple tools like vice grips, you can achieve precise adjustment without the need for disassembly.
At First Place Auto Parts, we offer a wide range of four-wheel disc conversion kits, including options with rear parking brakes, to suit your vehicle's needs. Whether you're upgrading your classic muscle car or modern vehicle, we have the parts and expertise to enhance your braking performance.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with adjusting your rear calipers, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you get the most out of your brake upgrade and ensure your driving experience is safe and enjoyable.