Adjusting Parking Brake Tensioner for Dakota 4WD (2000)
Parking Brake Tensioner: Adjustments
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 inch) from edge of tensioner bracket.
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 inch) off shop floor.
14. Release park brake foot pedal and verify that rear wheels rotate freely without drag. Then lower vehicle.