Determining tension of parking brake cable?

[Aleph]

I tightened up my parking brake tensioner under the center console so now my brake works again.

How can I tell if I’ve put too much tension on the cable? I don’t want to be driving around having the drum brakes engaged with the parking brake lever all the way down. I tightened it then backed off a bit.

Should I just ensure there’s a tiny bit of slack when the lever is disengaged or is it just a guessing game?

I suppose to be really sure I’d need to get the truck up on jack stands (which I don’t have), spin the wheels manually and check for brake drag. But was wondering if there’s an easier way.

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[Aleph]

I guess I answered my own question. Just ensure there’s a small amount of slack when the lever is disengaged.

 

[Vtur]

The correct way to adjust them is via the brake shoe star adjuster. Turn it until it has a little friction then turn back 3 clicks. Do that on both sides.

 

[PuddleJumper]

The correct way to adjust them is via the brake shoe star adjuster. Turn it until it has a little friction then turn back 3 clicks. Do that on both sides.

this. i stretched my cable doing the console way the first 2 times.

 

[Aleph]

The correct way to adjust them is via the brake shoe star adjuster. Turn it until it has a little friction then turn back 3 clicks. Do that on both sides.

I’m guessing I’ll need to put it on jack stands to adjust using the star adjuster right?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I’m guessing I’ll need to put it on jack stands to adjust using the star adjuster right?

It's a lot like adjusting the shoe brakes of the past - ideally, you have the tires off the ground, adjust until there's some drag, then back off until no drag or a couple of clicks.

THEN you adjust the cable.

Adjust the shoe clearances first, then adjust the cable. (cables do stretch even in normal use)

 

[Vtur]

I’m guessing I’ll need to put it on jack stands to adjust using the star adjuster right?

Can do it one side at a time with a regular jack.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Can do it one side at a time with a regular jack.

Yeah, I'm used to the limited slip that doesn't allow you to turn only one wheel at a time. Must have both off the floor and transmission in neutral to turn the wheels for brake adjustment.
These aren't that way.

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