GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

The park brake system is applied by depressing the park brake pedal. Applying the park brake pedal places tension on the park brake cables, which actuates the rear park brake mechanism. The system mechanically forces the parking brake shoes against the drum of the rotor, locking the rear brakes.

All vehicles are equipped with a four-wheel disc braking system. The park brake system uses brake shoes which are inside a brake drum that is part of a one-piece drum/rotor casting. The brake shoes are mechanically applied to lock the rear brakes.

This section covers park brake component replacement and adjustment. The park brake must be adjusted any time the park brake cables have been replaced or disconnected, or if the park brake holding ability is inadequate. The lever on the disc brakes must also be properly seated when this procedure is performed.

The park brake is not designed for use in the place of service brakes and should be applied only after the vehicle is brought to a complete stop, except in an emergency. Before working on the park brake system, make sure the service brakes are in good working order and adjusted properly.

Park Brake Lever

The park brake lever is located on the left side of the driver's compartment and is activated by foot pressure. The park brake lever incorporates a cable self adjusting mechanism. The park brake release handle under the instrument panel allows the driver to release the park brake and control the foot lever release velocity. The park brake lever requires minimal pedal effort to engage the park brake.

Cable System

Notice: Handling of the parking brake cables during service requires extra care. Damage to the nylon coating reduces the corrosion protection. If the damaged area passes through the seal, increased parking brake effort could result. Avoid contacting the coating with sharp-edged tools, or the sharp surfaces of the vehicle underbody.

The park brake uses a cable system that includes a front cable, an intermediate cable with a threaded rod and an equalizer, and two rear cables. The front cable connects to the park brake lever on one end and to the intermediate cable at the other end. The rear cables attach to the equalizer on one end and to the lever on the disc brakes at the other end.

This vehicle is equipped with coated park brake cable assemblies. The wire strand is coated with a nylon material that slides over plastic seals inside the conduit end fittings. This is for corrosion protection and reduced park brake effort.