Chapter 19 Parking Brake Service 337
Figure 19-12. A foot-operated, manually released parking
brake. (Pontiac)
Nuts
Brake
mechanism
Foot
lever
Mounting
stud
Nut
Parking
brake cable
Body
Mounting stud
and clip
Parking brake
cable
Retainer
Brake
mechanism
Release
cable
Cable
grommet
Brake
release
handle
Dash
if the switch is mounted on the lever, and remove the
vacuum release hose if used. Remove the fasteners holding
the lever to the kick panel bracket and remove the cable
end from the lever mounting slot. Then remove the lever
from the vehicle.
Check the old and new levers to ensure the replace-
ment is correct. Place the new lever assembly in position
and attach the cable end and switch electrical connector.
Install and tighten all fasteners. Recheck parking brake and
warning light operation, and adjust as necessary. Reinstall
any trim panels that were removed as well as the carpeting
and/or floor mat. Figure 19-12 illustrates one type of foot-
operated manually released parking brake mechanism.
Vacuum Release Vacuum Unit and Switch
The vacuum release vacuum unit is located at the park-
ing brake assembly. Remove the vacuum hose and discon-
nect the linkage from the parking brake. Remove the fasteners
and remove the vacuum unit from the vehicle. Install the new
unit and connect the linkage and vacuum hose. After instal-
lation is complete, recheck parking brake release operation.
The vacuum switch is located on the steering col-
umn or floor shift linkage, often near the neutral safety,
Figure 19-13. Remove the vacuum lines and fasteners
and remove the switch. Place the new switch in position,
being sure the operating tang is lined up with the proper
slot on the shift linkage. Then install and tighten the fas-
teners. Reconnect the vacuum lines and recheck parking
brake release operation. Be sure the release operates only
when the transmission is placed in Drive.
Warning Lights and Switches
Warning lightbulbs are located in the dashboard.
Replacement may be easy or very difficult, depending on
the interior dash and instrument cluster design. Check the
manufacturer’s service manual for the location and service
procedures for dashboard mounted bulbs.
Warning switches are usually attached to and oper-
ated by the lever. See Figure 19-14. To remove the switch,
remove any trim pieces and remove the fasteners holding
the switch to the body. Install the new switch and check
warning light operation. Most warning light switches are
adjustable. If the light does not come on when the lever
is applied and go off when the lever is released, adjust as
necessary. Refer to the warning light checking procedures
earlier in this chapter.
Cables
Cables and levers usually last the life of the vehicle,
unless they are damaged by road debris or become cor-
roded and stick. Replacement is usually straightforward, but
new cables must be routed and secured exactly as specified.
Improper cable installation will lead to sticking and damage.
The following general procedure can be used to replace
cables and linkage on most vehicles. Obtain the correct
ser vice manual before starting any replacement procedures.
Front Cable Replacement
Raise and properly support the vehicle, then loosen the
equalizer enough to provide cable slack. Loosen the locknut
and unthread the adjuster nut from the threaded shaft on the
end of the cable. After the nut is removed, slide the threaded
shaft out of the equalizer. Remove any cable guides under
the vehicle, and remove any boots that seal the cable open-
ing into the passenger compartment. Remove the cable end
from the hand or foot apply lever, and slide the cable down
through the boot, removing it from under the vehicle.
Compare the old and new cables. Ensure the new
cable has the same fittings and is the same length as the old