Traction control vs. Rear brake adjustment

First of hi all,

Been reading for a while and haven't noticed anything relating these two. But after using my E-brake (assuming more than previous owner) on my Taco, I have noticed better performance from traction control/auto lsd.. I am a diy guy and shade tree mechanic so to me it makes sense.

I dont want to spread misinformation but is it safe to assume that maintaining properly adjusted rear brakes will insure properly operating traction control functions? I.e. auto lsd.

It seems since my E-brake is working much better and rear brakes seem to function better that my traction control is doing its job much better than before when off road.

Any thoughts or insight? Or am I just imagining things here?

 

Since the Auto LSD uses the brakes you would be 100% correct.

 

It is usually better to disable traction control off road. It is great to get you moving if parked where one rear wheel has traction and the other does not. When the tire without traction starts to spin brakes are applied to that wheel forcing the other to get power. The problem with most off road driving is that spinning wheels is just part of it. The brakes are constantly being applied to one wheel or the other and you get the feeling that you're driving while dragging a boat anchor behind you. Wears out brake pads much faster too.

The E brake uses cables to apply brake pressure. Traction control uses your regular hydraulic brake system to apply brakes to one wheel or the other. I can see how using the E brake regularly could help maintain it, but don't see the connection between that and the E brake. But I've been wrong before.

 

The rear mechanical brake adjustment effects the movement distance required of the shoes with both the Hydraulics and the cables. If properly adjusted the movement is minimized which equates into a better braking experience.

Regular use of the parking brake will maintain the mechanical adjustment as long as it is relatively clean and not binding.

Everybody knows this.

 

I didn't but now I do. Thanks, I am off to do a rear break adjustment Chilton's in hand.

 

How to adjust the rear brake SHOES.

NOTE: Make sure you adjust the shoes until the drum locks, then back off 15 clicks. It will probably still have some drag to it. Leave it it will take care of itself. Also you may need to adjust the parking brake cable under the shifter.


I should have noted the plug to adjust is the Oval Shaped Plug. Not the round one. The Round one is for inspection of the shoe liner thickness.

 

One more time, you come through with the very best information - Thank you.

 

I think alot of people ignore the rear drum brakes. Mine is definitely operating better in all aspects now.