GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Parking Brake Adjustment Disc Brake

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum-to-Brake Shoe Clearance Gage

Park Brake Shoe Adjustment

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

Important: The park brake shoes must be adjusted before the park brake cable tension is adjusted.


    Object Number: 177200  Size: SH
  1. Set the J 21177-A so it contacts the inside diameter of the rotor.

  2. Object Number: 177201  Size: SH
  3. Position the J 21177-A over the shoe and the lining at the widest point.
  4. Turn the adjuster nut until the lining just contacts the J 21177-A .
  5. Specification
    Park brake shoe to brake rotor clearance: 0.6604 mm (0.026 in)

  6. Repeat steps 1-3 for the opposite side.

Park Brake Cable Tension Adjustment

Important: Before you adjust the park brake cable tension, verify that the park brake shoes are adjusted to provide a clearance of 0.6604 mm (0.026 in) and the rear disc brake rotors are installed.

  1. Verify the self adjuster lock-out pin has been removed.
  2. Fully apply and release the park brake pedal 3 times.

Parking Brake Adjustment Drum Brake

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.