parking brake

**jodmari** · 12-10-2015, 04:06 PM

my parking brake on my 02 ws6 barely holding because i have to pull it up to the max it doesnt look like theres anyway to tighten the cable,does anyone have a way to take up the slack.p.s the parking brake pads are not worn

**kingls1** · 12-10-2015, 05:26 PM

Pull your brakes and rotors and the park brake is inside the rear rotor. There is a adjustable screw running between the pads. Give it a few turns out put the rotor back on make sure it spins freely, check your e-brake. Adjust again if necessary, replace caliper, wheel and your done

**jodmari** · 12-11-2015, 02:42 PM

thanks didnt know there was a star adjustment bolt in there like drum brakes

**pajeff02** · 12-15-2015, 04:27 PM

Here is what the parking brake mechanism looks like -- pretty simple and yes, it is adjustable.

**nwohiochevyguy** · 12-16-2015, 07:56 AM

I have the same issue on my 02 SS, once out of winter hibernation I will have to make this same adjustment.

**pajeff02** · 12-17-2015, 02:56 AM

Take a look when you make the adjustment to ensure that your axles seals are not weeping gear oil. Not sure it can wick out to the parking brake but that would certainly defeat the friction between the pad and the drum. I had an axle seal let loose on our 12 bolt and it was a while before I discovered the leak.

**nwohiochevyguy** · 12-17-2015, 07:10 AM

Since my 02 only has 8400 miles on her I hope it is not a seal

Plus I can smell gear lube from a mile away and I have not noticed it, although I only had the chance to drive her for a couple weeks before winter.

**pajeff02** · 12-18-2015, 02:48 AM

Stock rears generally leak at the pinion seal, so you are probably ok. I just wanted to mention this.

On another note, if the car has been driven with the brake accidentally left on it can glaze the parking brake pad. You can rough it up with some 220 grit sandpaper to remove the glaze and restore its bite.

**nwohiochevyguy** · 12-18-2015, 05:57 AM

Thanks

My car has a Moser 12 bolt & Wilwood brakes upgrades, I suspect that they were not properly adjusted when installed.
Or your suspicion of someone leaving the brake engaged and driving.

**pajeff02** · 12-18-2015, 01:24 PM

Most likely they were not properly adjusted.

**Jonnybthegoalie** · 12-22-2015, 08:34 AM

Do the mid 90s firebirds have this same setup? I'm having trouble pulling the parking brake up on my trans am.

**kingls1** · 12-22-2015, 02:58 PM

If you have rear disc brakes then I would assume they are the same. If your having issues pulling it up may be possibly a cable or something in the linkage needing lubed up. I would start at the rear unhook the cables and work the stick and see if you have any binding if not go inside the drum. 93-02 were the gen4 cars.

**douglowden116** · 12-22-2015, 03:52 PM

mid 90s may have the e brake that uses the brake caliper to squeeze the rotor , if that's the case you will probably need 2 rebuilt calipers . check the cables are free before replacing calipers . the cables just disconnect from the back of the caliper . thank god.they have pretty much done away with that piece of shit design . I am not sure when they changed to new design .

**pajeff02** · 12-23-2015, 03:27 AM

No idea what brake setup the earlier years had. In either case, corrosion, lack of proper lubrication on the pins and torn dust boots are the absolute enemy of braking components. I would release the cable from the caliper and start by working it in and out to ensure freedom of movement, then check the mechanism for proper movement and engagement.