how often does one need to change the pads on the parking brake?

[e9999]

Been wondering about how often one should change the pads on the emergency/parking brake, if at all. Nice to see that they put in a separate system but it looks like a pain to change the pads unless one has the whole thing apart already. Also IIRC not obvious if it's possible to check the thickness without needing to take things off.
Then, of course, if these are not used with a moving vehicle maybe they shouldn't wear at all if the system is adjusted properly, but the FSM lists some minimum thickness as if it were routine to change these things.
Sooo, anybody has any idea of a realistic time frame to change these things?
And is there a way to measure or eyeball the thickness without taking it all apart?
thanks
Eric

 

[landtank]

I replaced mine. The bellcranks seized on and toasted them. I think that normally they are a life time part.

 

[robbie]

You would need to pull the rear tires off and the remove the rear caliper assembly to remove the rear rotor/drum assemble to see the parking brake shoes inside. the parking brake is a drum style, not a caliper style. Unless this is left on alot does it really and then driving with them on do they wear out that often. later robbie

 

[Darwood]

Speaking of the parking brake/emergency brake, when I pull mine while driving to slow down I get alot of vibration. What could be causing this? Are my pads worn? Could the drum housing be warped? For parking the brake works fine, but for an emergency this could be a little unnerving.

 

[landtank]

If you're ever in a situation where you need to use the hand brake as your only means of stopping, grab a fresh cold one from the cooler behind you, it will probvably be your last.

 

[Darwood]

[quote author=landtank link=board=2;threadid=16441;start=msg158037#msg158037 date=1084735878]
If you're ever in a situation where you need to use the hand brake as your only means of stopping, grab a fresh cold one from the cooler behind you, it will probvably be your last.
[/quote]

For some reason the end of Airplane comes to mind.