Hi, I got an 2002 Lexus ES300 and cannot for the life of me figure out the parking brake situation. I replaced all the hardware + the shoes and they refuse to sit right. They don't sit flush with the upper nub, and are off center so the rotor won't fit over them even on the tightest adjustment. I've tried multiple brands of shoes and taken them apart so many times.
At this point, I'm thinking that it's the actual parking brake cable that is the problem. Maybe it's too tight and is pulling the shoe off center? The only reason I don't understand why this would be an issue is that the parking brake and shoes were fine prior to being replaced? I know for sure that I have the hardware on correctly and I also know that the parking brake lever still applies tension like it's supposed to. I've also had a mechanic friend take a look, and they can't figure it out either.
At this point, I'm thinking that it's the actual parking brake cable that is the problem. Maybe it's too tight and is pulling the shoe off center? The only reason I don't understand why this would be an issue is that the parking brake and shoes were fine prior to being replaced?
Your parking brake may be stuck on. Your original brake shoes were worn, the new ones are much thicker than the old ones and they may stick. Do you live in a rust prone area? They can appear to be off and not trip the parking brake, even though it's still on. This happened to my 1999 Ranger and the parking brake cable was stuck. It had been there since they originally manufactured it. I replaced the cable and it's good to go.
