Park Brake Adjustment (Drum)
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Aztek and 2004 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Refer to Brake Dust Caution
in Cautions and Notices.
- Apply and fully release the parking brake 6 times. Verify that the park brake pedal releases completely.
- Turn ON the ignition. Verify that the BRAKE indicator lamp is off.
If the BRAKE lamp is on, then check the following:
- Ensure that the parking brake is in release mode and fully returned to the stop.
- Check the front park brake cable slack. Remove the slack in the front park brake cable by pulling downward on the cable.
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Remove the rear wheels and tires. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Adjust the drum brakes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment in Drum Brakes.
- Install the rear wheels and tires. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
- Adjust the park brake system by turning the nut at the equalizer (2) while spinning both rear wheels. When either rear wheel starts to drag, back off the nut one full turn.
- Lower the vehicle to curb height.
- Apply the parking brake 5 clicks and then check the forward rotation of the rear wheels. With 5 clicks applied it should be very difficult to turn the wheels by hand (should require 30 -60 N.m torque, measured with a torque wrench on a wheel stud). With less than 5 clicks applied, wheels should turn easily by hand. Readjust the equalizer nut as needed to obtain this condition.
- Release the parking brake. Verify that the wheels rotate freely.
- Lower the vehicle.