Question about Ebrake
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio TX
First off, this job is do-able, but it may not be a good first project if you are not real handy with the tools.
Before you go tearing into it, I would strongly recommend a manual. At the minimum, get a Haynes or Chiltons.
Check the simple things first. It might be that you can fix it by turning the adjusting nut under the car. Put the rear up securely on jackstands. No joke here....Safety first. Others will tell you stories about shortcuts taken here. Be careful.
Anyway, once you get it up, look for the Parking brake cable. It runs pretty much just left of center of the driveshaft. The cable should terminate in an adjusting nut that is connected to two cables that each run to a rear wheel. By using two wrenches, you can tighten the adjusting nut to bring the brakeshoes closer to the drum. You might have to spray some WD40 on the adjuster and let it soak for a while. Let the stuff work, don't rush it and strip the assembly.
Actually, before you do all that, have a friend pull up on the parking brake handle while you observe the cable. Make sure that the handle is actually pulling on the cable. could be that it's disconnected, or the cable is broken.
If you are able to adjust it, great. If not, it can be a bit of a job to do yourself, but definetly worth trying.
Before you go tearing into it, I would strongly recommend a manual. At the minimum, get a Haynes or Chiltons.
Check the simple things first. It might be that you can fix it by turning the adjusting nut under the car. Put the rear up securely on jackstands. No joke here....Safety first. Others will tell you stories about shortcuts taken here. Be careful.
Anyway, once you get it up, look for the Parking brake cable. It runs pretty much just left of center of the driveshaft. The cable should terminate in an adjusting nut that is connected to two cables that each run to a rear wheel. By using two wrenches, you can tighten the adjusting nut to bring the brakeshoes closer to the drum. You might have to spray some WD40 on the adjuster and let it soak for a while. Let the stuff work, don't rush it and strip the assembly.
Actually, before you do all that, have a friend pull up on the parking brake handle while you observe the cable. Make sure that the handle is actually pulling on the cable. could be that it's disconnected, or the cable is broken.
If you are able to adjust it, great. If not, it can be a bit of a job to do yourself, but definetly worth trying.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I am very experienced at working on my own cars for many many years.
I have installed all the parking brake stuff on my C3 vette a few
times. Actually, I just installed all the hardware on my chassis
last weekend. Every time I do this, it is a learning experience
all over again. Installing the PB hardware and shoes just plain sucks. Period.
If you can get the rear rotor (PB drum) off, then try to keep the shoes
clean and work all the mechanism loose without removing it all.
Also, check the cable that goes from the adjuster to the wheels
first. It could be this is rusted inside and frozen (very likely).
Good luck
I have installed all the parking brake stuff on my C3 vette a few
times. Actually, I just installed all the hardware on my chassis
last weekend. Every time I do this, it is a learning experience
all over again. Installing the PB hardware and shoes just plain sucks. Period.
If you can get the rear rotor (PB drum) off, then try to keep the shoes
clean and work all the mechanism loose without removing it all.
Also, check the cable that goes from the adjuster to the wheels
first. It could be this is rusted inside and frozen (very likely).
Good luck
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Ravenna Ohio
Just get rid of it those things to seem to be noitorious for not working. Here's some pics of what i did nearly looks factory stock color is a little off but the interior is faded. A lot cheaper than parts.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...911&forum_id=3
Pics about halfway down
Josh
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...911&forum_id=3
Pics about halfway down
Josh
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
i just worked on mine. i found a past article on this forum that gave great instructions. i changed the pads and springs and among other simple hand tools i was required to use dental floss, 5 zip ties and a lighter. sounds like a joke but it was actually kind of fun.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by johnt365
... sounds like a joke but it was actually kind of fun.
