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You don't necessarily have to check anything before attempting to adjust the parking brakes, but parking brakes usually need adjustment because something is wrong so here's a list of thing to check.
1st - Check that the parking brake really needs adjusting. It only has a small fraction of the effect of the service brake. If it performs as described in the owners manual, there is no need to adjust it.
2nd - Verify that the actuator (handle or pedal) operates correctly, and that the cables and the mechanical linkage appear to be intact.
3rd - Check cables for "stretched" cables with notable slack when the brake is released. Significant stretching often indicates that the cable strands are broken internally.
4th - Check for frozen mechanical linkage. Free or replace as necessary.
5th - Check for rust and debris in the drum - especially if the vehicle has rear disc brakes, and the parking brake is the miniature drum-in-hat arrangement. Clean rear discs/drums and replace as a pair if necessary.
6th - Check for missing friction material on the brake shoe. If rear disc brakes with miniature drum-in-hat parking brake shoe friction is normally very thin. Replace if shoe has no friction material.
7th - Check for broken or missing springs and hold downs. There should be springs on the brake shoe retaining pins holding the shoes to the backing plate. There should be springs on the brake shoes top and bottom to pull them together to release the brake, there may be a separate spring to release the linkage, there should be a return spring on the actuator handle or pedal to return it to the released position, it may be a wind-up spring. Replace any broken or missing springs and shoe retainers before attempting to adjust the brake.
8th - Check for a frozen brake adjuster. If the adjuster won't turn you won't be able to adjust the parking brake. Clean/replace as required.
A service manual for your vehicle should include necessary information and diagrams to properly service the parking brake.
What else can I help you with?
Where is the parking brake adjuster located on a 1998 Dodge Neon?
make sure the rear brakes are adjusted properly before adjusting parking brake cable.
Adjusting the emergency brake in a Chevy Cavalier?
The parking brake on these vehicles are basically self-adjusting. Fully apply and release the hand parking brake lever 4-6 times to self-adjust.
Why the parking Brake Light is always On in my Chevy impala 2000 LS?
You may be low on brake fluid or the parking brake linkage needs adjusting.
What is the operation of an integral drum brake parking brake?
Typically integral parking brakes are on rear disc braking systems. By activating the parking brake it adjusts the discs on the rear brakes. While the front discs are self adjusting, on the integral systems the rear discs are not self adjusting, thus the need for the integral parking brake system.
Why is your parking brake light displayed on the dash in my 1999 Jeep Cherokee?
either your parking brake is not released all the way or the switch needs adjusting
How do you adjust the parking brake on a 1997 sebring convertible?
The 1997 Chrysler Sebring parking brake cable has adjustment nuts on each end of the cable. Adjusting the nuts will lengthen or shorten the parking brake cable.
How to Adjust the parking brake on an Isuzu rodeo?
adjusting Isuzu rodeo brakes
How do you adjust the parking brake on a 1997 Chevrolet truck chassis?
1st make sure that rear service brakes are adjusted properlyThere should be an adjusting bolt either under the vehicle at the junction of the 3 cables or at the parking brake itself
How do you adjust the emergency brake on a 2004 GMC Sierra?
# To gain access to the parking brake adjuster raise the rear and support the truck # Remove the rubber plug from the brake backing plate and using a screwdriver or brake adjusting tool turn the adjusting screw star wheel until the parking brake shoe start to drag as the disc is turned then back off the star wheel until the shoes dont drag
Adjust the parking brake cable on a 2003 Toyota Avalon?
Adjusting a parking brake cable on a 2003 Toyota Avalon is considered a major repair. The repair should not be done by a person with no prior experience because if the repair is done wrong it can be dangerous. A repair book for the vehicle should instruct the process.
How do you tighten the parking brake on a 1993 Toyota pickup?
To tighten the parking brake on a 1993 Toyota pickup, locate the adjusting bolt under the vehicle, typically near the rear axle or the brake assembly. Use a wrench to turn the adjusting bolt clockwise to increase tension on the brake cable. After making adjustments, test the parking brake to ensure it holds the vehicle securely. If needed, repeat the process until the desired tension is achieved.
How do you get the parking brake unstuck on 2003 Pontiac Montana?
When you put the van in gear the brake should pop up. You have to have your foot on the brake before taking it out of park.
