PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT REVISED PROCEDURE

PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

MODEL AFFECTED: 1986 RIVIERA --------------- The following procedure supersedes the 1986 "E" Series parking brake adjustment procedure listed on 5-29 of the 1986 Buick Chassis Service Manual.

Adjustment of the parking brake cable is necessary whenever the rear brake cables have been loosened or disconnected. A need for parking brake cable adjustment is indicated if the hydraulic brake system operates with good reserve, but a firm parking brake pedal feel cannot be achieved with less than 3 1/2 full strokes of the parking brake pedal.

1. Cycle the brake system

o Apply the service brake with a pedal force of approximately 150 lbs. and release.

o Fully apply parking brake (this may require up to four pedal strokes) using 125 lbs. pedal force on the last stroke, and release.

o Apply and release parking brake two additional times as described above.

2. Check parking brake pedal for full release. This can be done by starting the car and observing the Graphic Control Center for a message concerning the parking brake. If the parking brake appears to be applied, operate the manual pedal release lever and pull downward on the front parking brake cable to remove slack from pedal assembly.

3. Raise car.

4. Check the parking brake levers on the rear calipers. The levers should be against the stops on the caliper housing. If the levers are not against the stops, check the parking brake cables for binding, and position levers against the stops.

5. Adjust the front parking brake cable until either the left or the right lever begins to move off of its stop.

6. Loosen the parking brake cable until the lever returns to the stop. Both levers should be resting on caliper stops after completing this step.

7. Operate parking brake several times to check adjustment. A firm pedal feel should be obtained by pumping the pedal less than 3 1/2 full strokes.

8. Inspect to see that both parking brake levers are resting on the stops after adjustment of the parking brake.

9. Check operations of the parking brake. If possible, place vehicle on a grade and check parking brake holding ability.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.