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  1. #1
    Junior Member Archaelas's Avatar
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    Triple Black
    1998 Trans Am WS.7 Vert

    Emergency Brake Question

    So, I'm buying my first LS1 (1998 Trans Am Convertible, Triple Black, 6M) and the only real problem I've found with it is the e-brake, handbrake, emergency brake, whatever you wanna call it (silly .co.uk website didn't know what it was... ftw) doesn't grab completely when the car is pointed down hill. If the car is pointed uphill, the car holds nice and steady, no rolling, but pointed downhill, the car rolls forward ever so slowly. I can't figure out why. Anybody have any ideas?

    Ok, so I knew I should have come here first but I didn't. I tried this mechanic's forum http://www.kelsey-forums.co.ukand apparently, the mechanics must be utterly retarded, thinking that this is how the handbrake is *supposed* to work... Unless I'm utterly retarded and am somehow mistaken in thinking that the handbrake on a Trans Am is supposed to work in a different manner than on every other car I've owned.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Orcus79's Avatar
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    black
    2002 WS6

    the best chance is that they are worn and need to be adjusted. The reason they work when pointed up hill is because they are designed off a drum brake set up and rotate backwards to adjust.

    all you have to do is remove the rim and rotor, turn the star wheel adjuster to spead them out, and check for draging or binding.

  3. #3
    Junior Member Archaelas's Avatar
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    Triple Black
    1998 Trans Am WS.7 Vert

    Thanks! I'll check that ASAP.

  4. #4
    Firebird Encyclopedia 9T8W66's Avatar
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    Navy Blue Metallic
    `98 Formula M6 HdTp

    Yeah like he^^^ said their out of adjustment.
    Pretty easy fix, Personally I always leave mine in reverse and pull the Ebrake.
    Craig
    Semi Retired Street Racer
    2012 Lava Red Mustang GT Coupe Brembo/3.73's
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    NBM `98 Formula M6 HdTp
    1 of 1 Build Date 3/12/98

  5. #5
    Junior Member Archaelas's Avatar
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    Triple Black
    1998 Trans Am WS.7 Vert

    Same here, I'm pretty good about keeping it in gear when it's parked but just in case I forget, I'd like to have it working. Not to mention, I hate having anything not working right...

  6. #6
    Junior Member chuckstop00's Avatar
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    Black
    2000 Firebird Formula

    Another little trick to "extend" the life of the emergency/park brake, is to
    make sure there isn't a "lip" on the inside of the rotor, which acts as a drum.
    If there is, it will limit how far out you can adjust the shoes, without being
    able to put the drum (rotor) back on. I took a half-round file and smoothed
    off the lip, then was able to adjust the shoes out slightly more. Bottom line
    is once it gets worn (rotor/shoes) need to get new stuff. Also, I don't think
    you can access the star wheel without taking the rotor off, would be nice if
    you could.

  7. #7
    Still The Junior Member RedVertTA's Avatar
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    Red+White Top and Stripes
    2000TransAmConvertible A4

    Welcome to the site.

  8. #8
    Junior Member Archaelas's Avatar
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    Triple Black
    1998 Trans Am WS.7 Vert

    Quote Originally Posted by chuckstop00 View Post
    Another little trick to "extend" the life of the emergency/park brake, is to
    make sure there isn't a "lip" on the inside of the rotor, which acts as a drum.
    If there is, it will limit how far out you can adjust the shoes, without being
    able to put the drum (rotor) back on. I took a half-round file and smoothed
    off the lip, then was able to adjust the shoes out slightly more. Bottom line
    is once it gets worn (rotor/shoes) need to get new stuff. Also, I don't think
    you can access the star wheel without taking the rotor off, would be nice if
    you could.
    Great advice, thanks! I'll check it out asap.

  9. #9
    Senior Member bigrondownhiller's Avatar
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    always dirty
    2013 Ram 2014 Caddy ATS

    Quote Originally Posted by chuckstop00 View Post
    Another little trick to "extend" the life of the emergency/park brake, is to
    make sure there isn't a "lip" on the inside of the rotor, which acts as a drum.
    If there is, it will limit how far out you can adjust the shoes, without being
    able to put the drum (rotor) back on. I took a half-round file and smoothed
    off the lip, then was able to adjust the shoes out slightly more. Bottom line
    is once it gets worn (rotor/shoes) need to get new stuff. Also, I don't think
    you can access the star wheel without taking the rotor off, would be nice if
    you could.
    Is there a rubber plug in the backing plate that comes out so you can access the star? This is what drums have to adjust them. What about going in reverse and pulling on the ebrake? Does this adjust them like in a drum car?

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