Thread: Parking brake adjustment

I did a search on this and found one post but the question was never answered. I replaced my rear rotors/pads and to install the new rotor, I had to back off the adjuster on the parking brake "shoes" Well, new rotors went on fine after that but I have no parking brake now. Did I back off the adjuster to much? Can I just adjust them using the adjuster on the cable without pulling the rotors back off? What is the proper procedure for this? If there is a write-up that I missed, can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

Here you go sir. Straight from the GM service manual.




Apply and fully release the parking brake 6 times.
Verify that the parking brake pedal releases completely.
Turn ON the ignition. Verify that the BRAKE indicator lamp is off.
If the BRAKE indicator lamp is on, ensure that the parking brake pedal is in release mode and fully returned to stop. Remove the slack in the front parking 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 tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.



Remove both rear caliper brackets. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
Relieve tension on the park brake system at the park brake equalizer.
Remove both rear brake rotors. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.



Set the J 21177-A inside of the park brake drum (1) at the widest point.
Place the contacts on the tool to the widest point of the drum.
Tighten the set screw on the tool to ensure the proper measurement when removing the tool from the drum.




Position the J 21177-A over the park brake shoe (1) at the widest point.
Turn the adjuster on the actuator until the park brake shoe just contacts the J 21177-A .
Repeat steps 8-10 for the opposite side.
Install both rear brake rotors. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
Install both rear caliper brackets. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.



Adjust the parking brake 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, then inspect for rotation of the rear wheels. If the rear wheels rotate during this inspection, then readjust the parking brake shoes.
Release the parking brake. Verify that the wheels rotate freely.
Lower the vehicle.

You also will need a j-tool available from NAPA.

Cool, thanks man. I looked everywhere for this info and could not find anything. Your help is most appreciated. Do I really need this tool or can I just turn the adjuster nut until the rotor just fits on and then proceed with the adjustment of the equalizer nut? What are your thoughts?

Hey no problem man,



The right way to do it is to get the tool. I think better results can be gained from using it rather that the way you mention. I even tried it the way you say. With very poor results. I have not messed with it since. It still does not work worth a damn.

Alright, since its proven to not work I will suck it up and buy the tool. Thanks again.

Well, it worked fine until I replaced the rotors and backed off the adjuster so they would fit. Its a very poor set-up to say the least. I dont know why Gm couldnt have incorperated the main rear calipers for the park brake rather then using the tiny little brake shoes in the rotor.