The park brake lever is attached to the equalizer. The equalizer ensures an equal force is applied to each rear wheel. The equalizer is attached to 2 park brake cables. The park brake cables are attached to the rear drum brake assemblies. The park brake cables move the brake shoes against the brake drums. The friction between the brake shoes and the brake drums inhibit the brake drums, the wheels, and the tires from turning.
Pulling up on the park brake lever activates the park brake system. The pawl engages in the teeth on the lever and holds the lever in position.
Complete the following steps in order to release the park brake:
Pushing in the release button moves the pawl away from the teeth on the lever. Lowering the park brake lever releases the tension on the park brake cables and reduces the friction between the brake shoes and the brake drums.
The twisted strand steel park brake cables are covered by a plastic material. The plastic material allows the cable to slide freely. The cables attach to the equalizer and the brake drum assemblies. The cables are secured to the vehicle by retainers on the body, the frame crossmember, and the frame.
For information regarding the BRAKE indicator, refer to Brake Warning System Description and Operation in Hydraulic Brakes.
The park brake switch is attached to the park brake lever. The switch is open when the park brake lever is in the released position. The switch is closed when the park brake lever is in the engaged position. Closing the switch illuminates the BRAKE indicator. For more information regarding the park brake switch, refer to Brake Warning System Description and Operation in Hydraulic Brakes.
For more information regarding the DRL, refer to Exterior Lighting Systems Description and Operation in Lighting Systems.
