How Do I Adjust My Emergency Brake Cable?

**NastySS** · 03-11-2010, 05:30 PM

Hello All,

I have a 2001 Camaro SS, 82,000 Miles, 6-spd Manual, Original Owner, and the emergency brake handle pulls all the way up, then clicks and goes vertical. I looked underneath the car while on a lift, and I could see no adjustments anywhere underneath. Naturally, the cable will stretch a bit over the years. There has to be some way to adjust the tension on the cable, but it is eluding me, and it is aggravating me as I have never seen a non-adjustable cable from underneath. It seems that there is a possiblity that there may to be a way to adjust it inside, but where? I am thinking that there may be a way to adjust it from inside the console compartment, which is right next to the brake handle.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Tom

**pajeff02** · 03-11-2010, 05:34 PM

My understanding is that it is self adjusting -- you pull it all the way up three times and it is adjusted. There are star wheels at each backing plate that will spread the brake. Might need to take it apart to clean and re-lube everything. Chances are your dust boots are shot, if so let me know as I was able to find them with the assistance of another member.

**NastySS** · 03-11-2010, 05:51 PM

Thanks for the response Pajeffo2!!

Do I pull the handle up 3 times while holding the button at the end of the handle in, or not?

I don't even know how to get to the brake handle/star wheels or what ever other internals are there. Hopefuly the console does not have to come out. I am very handy though. These dust boots you speak of, if they are at the base of the brake handle, they are in very good shape, I think. I will have to take a closer look. Thanks again.

Tom

**pajeff02** · 03-11-2010, 05:53 PM

I believe I held the button in when I did it -- I just installed a new rear axle and had to adjust the parking brake once I had everything hooked back up. The dust boots are at the wheels, on the inside of the backing plate, where the brake cable attaches to the lever.

**NastySS** · 03-11-2010, 07:12 PM

Thanks,

I should have the car on a lift in the next week. I will check the boots then and let you know.

Tom

**blue02Z** · 03-12-2010, 03:28 AM

it is self adjusts but not that great, you have to adjust it with the star wheels at the rotors. i personally hate pulling the lil plugs i just pull the wheels and the rotors and adjust it with the rotor off then reassemble

**Civic1** · 03-12-2010, 04:00 PM

Maybe Baby needs a new pair of shoes! I know they are Pads, 86M is time for new brakes. I would check them before they damage the rotors.

**Mr. Luos** · 03-12-2010, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Civic1

Maybe Baby needs a new pair of shoes! I know they are Pads, 86M is time for new brakes. I would check them before they damage the rotors.

I see how this could happen, I just don't think it does.
If they wear down (which would take a while) you can always just adjust them using the star wheel to spread the pads out a little bit giving better grip.