Help needed with replacing parking brake pads

[Randy M.]

I replaced the front parking brake pad this weekend. Works pretty well now. As stated above, remove brake cable/rod and remove the other three bolts and nuts holding the backing plate in place. The threaded bolt that seems to control the "hinge angle" of the plate is where others seem to have a problem. It is a threaded bolt that can be turned by hand to unthread it enough to release it when the other retaining/adjustment bolt and nut is loosened. It had me wondering about how to remove it when I first tried this last year. I also found out that 2 new brake pads will not both fit into place and be free of the rotor. I replaced the front pad with a new one and the more easily replaced rear one with the better of the old set. Removing the drive shaft was the key. Remove the 4 retaining bolts by using an Allen wrench on the transmission side. It is a large size but can't remember how big. I did have to go and purchase a large Allen wrench kit because I only had up to the 1/4 inch size. Once rotor was out of the way, it was a simple replacement. The adjustment takes a while though. Who thought up this arrangement anyhow? Good luck to all who attempt this.