GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Parking Brake Adjustment Rear Disc Brakes

Important: This vehicle utilizes a self-tensioning, or self-adjusting park brake cable system. The park brake system does not require adjustment under normal operating conditions. The tension on the park brake cables can be disabled and enabled when necessary during service of the disc brake and/or the park brake system.

    Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Apply and fully release the park brake several times. Verify that the park brake pedal releases completely.
  2. Turn ON the ignition. Verify the red BRAKE warning lamp is not illuminated.
  3. If the red BRAKE warning lamp is illuminated, verify the following:
  4. • The park brake pedal is in the fully released position and against the stop.
    • There is no slack in the park brake cables.
  5. If the red BRAKE warning lamp remained illuminated and there were no other visible causes, Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes .
  6. Turn OFF the ignition.
  7. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  8. With the park brake pedal fully released, check the park brake levers on the rear calipers. The levers should be against the stops on the caliper housings. If the levers are not against the stops, binding may exist.
  9. Fully apply and release the park brake pedal 3-5 times in order for the cable tensioner to take up any slack in the park brake cables.
  10. Fully apply the park brake pedal, a firm pedal should be obtained by depressing the pedal less than one full stroke.
  11. Attempt to rotate the rear tire and wheel assemblies. There should be no rotation forward or rearward.
  12. Fully release the park brake pedal.
  13. Verify the park brake is released by rotating the rear tire and wheel assemblies. The rear tire and wheel assemblies should rotate freely and exhibit no brake drag.
  14. Lower the vehicle.

Parking Brake Adjustment Rear Drum Brakes

Important: This vehicle utilizes a self-tensioning, or self-adjusting park brake cable system. The park brake system does not require adjustment under normal operating conditions. The tension on the park brake cables can be disabled and enabled when necessary during service of the drum brakes and/or the park brake system.

    Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Apply and fully release the park brake several times. Verify that the park brake pedal releases completely.
  2. Turn ON the ignition. Verify the red BRAKE warning lamp is not illuminated.
  3. If the red BRAKE warning lamp is illuminated, verify the following:
  4. • The park brake pedal is in the fully released position and against the stop.
    • There is no slack in the park brake cables.
  5. If the red BRAKE warning lamp remained illuminated and there were no other visible causes, Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes .
  6. Turn OFF the ignition.
  7. Raise and support the vehicle just enough to allow the rear tires and wheel assembly removal and rear brake drum adjustment. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  8. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  9. Adjust the rear drum brakes. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment .
  10. Ensure there is no brake shoe drag after adjustment by rotating the brake drums. If drag exists, re-center the brake shoes and perform the brake shoe adjustment again.
  11. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  12. Fully apply and release the park brake pedal 3-5 times in order for the cable tensioner to take up any slack in the park brake cables.
  13. Fully apply the park brake pedal, a firm pedal should be obtained by depressing the pedal less than one full stroke.
  14. Attempt to rotate the rear brake drums. There should be no rotation forward or rearward.
  15. Fully release the park brake pedal.
  16. Verify the park brake is released by rotating the rear brake drums. The drums should rotate freely and exhibit no brake shoe drag.
  17. Lower the vehicle.