This is based on a 2000 model--
I drove around with my parking brake on too. Same sloped driveway scenario as mentioned.
Maybe someone can post plans for installing a buzzer to warn when the brake is on and the shift lever is not in park.
The brakes adjust automatically when you brake going in reverse. The assembly that causes this to happen is in the individual rear brake assemblies--it's a star wheel and screw assembly.
Anyway, some ideas...
-Buy brake cleaner
-Buy a manual
-Clean all the parts
-Use jackstands to support the back of the vehicle and use one side as a reference while you mess with the other side.
-You'll probably have to beat the brake drum with a rubber mallet or a hammer and a block of wood a few times before it will slide off
-Clean all the parts with brake cleaner before taking apart.
-As you take apart, lay pieces out in assembled order to keep track of what's what.
-Clean all the parts
-Take some time to look at the star wheel/screw assembly. When you brake going backwards, the torque from the braking action causes the brake assmbely to tighten itself through the star wheel. This will be the center of alot of your uninstall/reinstall problems. Also, if it is too loose after reassembly it will not tighten automatically. Also, I don't think you can tighten through the slot in the back with a screwdriver if it's too loose.
-Your old pads will look fine and you'll feel stupid but don't. They really are trashed from the last guy driving around with the brake on and you'll soon notice the difference.
-If they don't look fine--rivits ground down--you will probably need your drums turned or replaced.
-Once again the star wheel/screw/fork thing. I think I remember setting it for very loose brakes (screwed in) for reassembly then screwing it out (tight) until the drum was tough to fit then in (loose) a bit to install drum. Final adjustment was done by pulsing the brakes in reverse. And you'll feel them tighten with each press. If not, as previously stated, they are too loose to auto-tighten.
Hope this helped
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