Rear brake/E-Brake issues

I picked my 3rd gen up last october with 201k miles (for $1700) and the E-Brake has never worked. Ive tried adjusting them with a screwdriver and doing the reverse trick to re tighten it, but it hasnt worked (could be user error) I have examined the cable for the E-brake and it seems to be pulling at both hubs, so I dont think its a cable issue.

I replaced pads/rotors right when I purchased the car, as they were warped to no end. Now I've driven another 15k miles, and the rotors feel as though they are starting to warp again. Could this be a sign of weak rear brakes? I should note that the car does seem to pitch forward a bit on braking.

Is it time to replaced my shoes? or do my rear brakes just need adjusting?

I'm mechanically inclined, but dont have any experience with drum brakes, so any pointers would be appreciated.

 

I think you'll find many of us have had struggles with the e-brake. For one they must be seated correctly to be effective. Even then they aren't great. At least that's been my experience; such as holding the truck on steep inclines.

 

I'd jack stand up the rear and put her in neutral so the rear wheels will spin. Then apply your brakes to see if they grab.

I'm guessing they are shot. Probably needs new shoes. The drums take forever to wear out.

If they still don't grab, you'll need to figure out why. Should be evident once you get in there.

 

The bell cranks are probably rusted, like mine. Did you see if they were moving?

My cable works fine. The bell cranks can often be freed up with some work but Dorman makes a rebuild kit. Mine are beyond help.