GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 XLR 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Park Brake 🢒 Parking Brake Adjustment

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge

Important: Park brake adjustment is not necessary after replacing the park brake pedal or park brake cables. The park brake cables are tensioned automatically by cycling the park brake pedal three times.

  1. Apply and fully release the parking brake three times.
  2. Verify that the parking brake pedal releases completely.
  3. Turn ON the ignition. Verify that the red BRAKE warning indicator lamp is off.
  4. Turn OFF the ignition.
  5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  6. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

    7. Object Number: 177186 Size: SH

    Important: Do not operate the park brake lever with the rear disc brake rotor removed.

  7. Remove the rear disc brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .

    8. Object Number: 177200 Size: SH
  8. Place the inside measurement contacts of the J 21177-A at the widest point of the drum portion of the brake rotor (1).
  9. Tighten the set screw on the tool in order to ensure the proper measurement when removing the tool from the drum.

    10. Object Number: 177201 Size: SH
  10. Position the outside measurement contacts of the J 21177-A over the park brake shoe (1) at the widest point.

    11. Important: If the gap between the adjuster nut and the adjuster screw exceeds 5 mm (0.25 in) during the adjustment procedure, the park brake shoe must be replaced.

  11. Adjust the park brake shoe-to-drum clearance by rotating the adjustment nut on the park brake actuator.

    12. Specification
    0.38 mm (0.015 in)

  12. Install the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
  13. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  14. Apply and release the park brake pedal three times .
  15. Apply the park brake pedal. Inspect the rotation of the rear wheels:
    16. • The wheels should not rotate forward.
    • The wheels should drag or not rotate rearward.
  16. If the rear tire and wheel assemblies rotate forward or do not exhibit drag rearward, repeat the adjustment procedure.
  17. Release the parking pedal. Verify that the wheels rotate freely
  18. Lower the vehicle