GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 37043 Parking Brake Cable Release Tool


    Object Number: 479655  Size: SH
  1. Remove the center console. Refer to Console Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
  2. Disconnect the electrical connector at the parking brake indicator switch (2).
  3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Remove the front parking brake cable from the equalizer.

  5. Object Number: 480856  Size: SH
  6. Pull the cable (2) toward the lever to gain enough slack to remove the cable from the lever reel (1) and disconnect the cable barrel (3).

  7. Object Number: 177173  Size: SH
  8. Remove the cable from the lever using the J 37043 .

  9. Object Number: 479655  Size: SH
  10. Remove the three parking brake lever assembly nuts (3).
  11. Remove the parking brake lever assembly (1).
  12. Remove the parking brake indicator switch.

Preloading Procedure

If the parking brake lever assembly is being re-installed and the spring mechanism has become unloaded, it is necessary to perform the following preloading procedure. A new parking brake lever assembly comes preloaded.


    Object Number: 480856  Size: SH
  1. Install the parking brake lever assembly.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the three parking brake lever assembly nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the parking brake lever mounting nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  5. Ensure that the park brake lever is fully released.
  6. Rewind the park brake self adjust reel (1) using two 5/16 allen wrenches. Rewind counterclockwise approximately 270 degrees using 5/16 hex holes on the self adjust reel.

  7. Object Number: 480857  Size: SH
  8. Press down and hold the latch pawl (3). Release the tension on the cable. Proceed with the installation procedure.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 479655  Size: SH
  1. Install the parking brake indicator switch.
  2. Install the parking brake lever assembly (1).
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the three parking brake lever assembly nuts (3).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the parking brake lever mounting nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 480856  Size: SH
  6. Install the parking brake cable (2) to the new parking brake lever assembly reel (1).
  7. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  8. Reconnect the parking brake cable equalizer.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Connect the electrical connector at the parking brake indicator switch.
  11. Apply and release the park brake four times to set proper adjustment.
  12. Install the center console. Refer to Console Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.