Chapter 19 Parking Brake Service 331
Figure 19-2. One particular type of hand-operated parking brake lever assembly. Check for metal cracks, loose or missing
fasteners, and damaged cables. (Chevrolet)
Lever mounting bolts
Parking brake lever
Floor
Spacer Cable
locking nut
Parking
brake cables
Pin Equalizer
Lever
mounting
bolt
Cover
bracket
Cable locknut
Spacer Pin Equalizer
Warning
light switch
Lever mounting
bolts
Parking
brake lever
Rubber
grommets
Parking
brake cables
Brake cable
locking nut
Spacer
Equalizer
Brake lever
cover bracket
Lock
washer
Cable
pin
Threaded
rod
Brake lever
cover bracket
Parking brake
lever
Manual Transmission Vehicles
Stop the vehicle and leave the engine running.
Depress the clutch pedal and place the transmission in
first gear. Apply the parking brake and observe the warn-
ing light, it should be on. Then slowly release the clutch
pedal. The vehicle should not move and the engine should
stall when the clutch is fully released. If the vehicle moves
forward, the parking brake is not holding. Keep in mind
that some forward movement with resistance is considered
normal in most vehicles with rear disc brakes. Then release
the parking brake and slowly apply the clutch. The warn-
ing light should be out and the vehicle should idle forward.
If the vehicle does not move easily, the parking brake is
sticking. Also check that the ratchet and pawl assembly
holds and releases correctly.
Checking for Damage
If the performance test indicates the parking brake is not
operating properly, check for damaged or misadjusted parts.
Improper adjustment due to wear or incorrect adjusting
procedures is common. Almost any part of the parking brake
system can become damaged. Start checking for problems in
the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
Driver-Operated Levers
Start by checking the driver-operated levers for dam-
age. This can be done inside the vehicle. However, it is
often necessary to remove some interior trim components
to gain access to the lever mechanism. Be careful not to
get any dirt or grease on the seats or trim parts. Also keep
in mind that trim pieces that are more than a few years old
may be brittle. Handle them carefully to avoid damage.
Hand-Operated Levers
Hand-operated parking levers should be inspected
for cracks in the lever and at the mounting fasteners. See
Figure 19-2. Also check for loose fasteners, broken parts,
damaged ratchet teeth, lack of ratchet and cable lubrica-
tion, lack of cable release, and damaged or misadjusted
warning switches.