I have an 88 firebird, with a non-posi drum brake rear end.

When I pull my e-brake, nothing happens.

I looked under my car, it is hooked up and pulls the little thing on the drum.

and I don't even know if my drum brakes work at all.

I have taken the drum off, and there are pads in there.

My front ones work just fine.

What would you suggest I do?

 

Your e-brake might need an adjustment.

Put your rear end on jack stands, start the car, put it into gear, give it alittle throttle, press the brake pedal and see if your wheels stop. That will tell you if they're working.

FYI, drums brakes use shoes and disc brakes use pads.

 

hi , just adjust the shoes a little ...you have 2 things to verify..first you can see if the rear brakes work properly ..you can do what dokken 10 said ..if the rear wheels stop turning when you hit the brakes .,,then look undrneath and see where the left and right hand brake cables meet in the middle ..it is right around the middle of the car right over the drive shaft ..there is a long threaded bolt and nut and a 3rd cable that hooks up to your handle in the car ,,you must tighten this a little ..then try your hand brakes.,..they should grab more..then you can adjust the starwheel on each side on the brakes to open the brakes up little evenly on both sides therefore having less distance to travel and stop..this should do the trick unless you have other issues..hope this helps.

 

I meant to say shoes, lol. But I figured you would all know what I was talking about.

Ill try the jack stand thing today. Thanks for the replies!

 

ok my rear brakes work, but the bolt for the e-brak is right above my drive shaft, and i am having a hard time accessing it without droping my driveshaft...

ugh.. ill just wait til I get my new u joints.

 

you shoudn't have to remove the driveshaft..it is a little tight , but you should be able to get in there... also adjust your rear shoes with the starwheel through the little opening behind the back plates as well...good luck.

 

hey, i know this is an old thread, but can some explain how to adjust the drums throught this "starwheel" thing?
Also some pics or dummies instructions would help as my rear brakes aren't working and it'll be my first time tinkering with them.