How to Adjust Parking Brake on a Nissan Titan
by Rex MolderThe Nissan Titan pickup truck uses a pedal operated parking/emergency brake mechanism to manually operate the parking brake shoes, which are part of the rear brake assemblies. Occasionally, the system will require adjustment for optimum efficiency. This might be due to to the replacement of the rear brake shoes, or to the stretching of the brake cable over time. To determine if the parking brake mechanism requires adjustment, slowly depress the pedal as you count the clicks. If it takes more than 4 clicks to engage the brake, you should adjust it.
Step 1
Engage the parking brake until there is considerable tension. If you have to press the pedal all the way to the floor, that's fine. Locate the parking brake adjusting nut located on the bottom of the parking brake pedal, just before the pivot point of the pedal arm. The nut and bolt are both brass colored to distinguish them. Use a 10mm wrench or deep socket to turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen the cable tension. Release the parking brake.
Step 2
Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels. Use the jack to raise the rear of the vehicle, and support both sides with a jack stand. Remove the lug nuts and wheels.
Step 3
Remove the rear rotor and measure its inside diameter.
Step 4
Use a flat blade screwdriver to rotate the adjusting wheel of the parking brake shoes to move them outwards until they span 6mm less than the inside diameter of the brake rotor. A simple tape measure or ruler should suffice, but Nissan does make a special tool (J-21177-A) to take this measurement. You can purchase it from a dealership, or possible rent it from a tool rental service.
Step 5
Replace the rotor, and rotate it a few times to make sure the parking brake shoes are not dragging against it. Repeat the adjustment on the other rear wheel.
Step 6
Return to the parking brake pedal and depress it firmly at least 10 times. Rotate the adjusting nut clockwise to remove enough slack in the cable for the parking brake to engage within 4 clicks.
Step 7
Recheck the rear rotors to make sure they turn freely without rubbing the shoes.
Step 8
Replace the rear wheels and lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.
References
Tips
- If the pedal only requires minor adjustment, you can simply tighten the adjusting nut without removing the rear wheels.
- It's a good idea to clean the brake components with brake cleaner to remove the brake dust before working on the vehicle.
Things You'll Need
- Automotive jack
- 2 jack stands
- Lug wrench
- 10mm wrench or deep socket
- Tape measure or ruler (or Nissan tool J-21177-A)
- Flat blade screwdriver
Warnings
- Ensure the jack stands are secure before working around the raised truck.
Writer Bio
Rex Molder began writing professionally in 1999 and specializes in automotive, technology and travel articles. His articles have appeared at iPad- and SEO-related websites. Rex holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian studies from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
