decypher

While working on the rear driver's side disc brakes of my 99 ES I broke the pin that holds the spring and cups to the rear shoe . I completely removed all of the parking brake components behind the rotor and disconnected the parking brake cable from the rear shoe lever.

Next I reinstalled the rotor, caliper and wheel because I didn't want the car sitting on jack stands in the rain for the next 2 days.

My question is, with the car in it's current state, is it safe for me to drive the vehicle until I can finish my repairs as long as I don't use the parking brake?

JSM1284

It will be fine as long as there are no components loose behind the drum

decypher

Thank you for the quick reply! What exactly is the drum? I removed everything held together by springs.. I'm attaching a picture that I used as a diagram for part names..

BK4293

Yeah, pulled all my stuff out about 2 years ago. I keep telling myself one day ill put it all back together.....

decypher

Lol @ BK4293, it definitely looks like a real PITA to put back together.

decypher

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_brake

Low speed (+-35 MPH) test drive was a success..

Mandin75

Drum? the 99 ES should have 4 wheel disc brakes,be careful cause the braking system uses some of the rear disc for stopping power.so you can ride around at 30mph,but no highway.

dewinks

You are fine, the parking brake "drum" is inoperative while driving. The I.D. of the rotor is considered a drum due to the brake shoes for the parking brake. You can drive 120 MPH if you want. I don't think you'd be using the parking brake at those speeds!!!!

decypher

Drove to work today and everything was fine.. I definitely will NOT be applying the parking brake any time I am driving lol

decypher

Sorry I'm still a noob.. It does have 4 wheel disc brakes. The parking brake shoes are underneath/inside the rear "rotors". When you depress the parking brake pedal it pulls the parking brake cable that is attached to a lever on the rear shoe which forces the spring mechanism on the shoes outward causing friction on the inside of the rotor to prevent the wheels from moving while parked on an incline/decline.

I guess my main concern was, is it safe to drive with the parking brake cable tucked away beneath the rotor... And so far so good! Once the rain clears I will finish the job..