parking brake guts
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
parking brake guts
hey guys i need to replace the parking brake guts on the rear. i have the rotors off because im replacing them and most of the springs and other dodads for the parking brake fell out. i ordered the stainless steel hardware kit and pads from ecklers and should be in tomorrow. now i just need to know how to do this properly. any tips advice or step by step instructions?
81 Corvette
81 Corvette
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,182
Likes: 99
From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
The most important thing you need is patience, grasshopper.
Good luck, it is do-able but definitely tests your mettle
Good luck, it is do-able but definitely tests your mettle
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 336
From: Texas
one trick i used from the forum, compress the 2 small pin springs in a vise and tie them compressed with fishing line, then install them, when in position burn the f/line with a lighter.to retain them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
You finished the parking brakes and didn't go 'postal'! Congratulations.
How about getting to the fuse box?
Change dash lights?
I think the worst is the rear bearings.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
hey guys i need to replace the parking brake guts on the rear. i have the rotors off because im replacing them and most of the springs and other dodads for the parking brake fell out. i ordered the stainless steel hardware kit and pads from ecklers and should be in tomorrow. now i just need to know how to do this properly. any tips advice or step by step instructions?
81 Corvette
81 Corvette
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
be careful when you pull out the wire harness from the gauge cluster. when i changed the light bulbs in mine i did not notice that the thin sheet of copper (not having the correct name for it) separated from the plastic backing and came into contact with another. when i turned the lights on one of the gauges went crazy so i had to remove it the cluster panel again. have fun and be patient remember the plastic and wires are 29 years old . with time thngs seem to get brittle.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
I got so frustrated trying to get the rearward keeper spring installed that I just gave up, put all the parts in a bag, and decided to fab something up using those independent p-brake calipers that you see on a lot of German cars. 
Stay tuned.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 54
From: Grand Rapids Michigan
Best tip I received
If you are not in a hurry, put a small dab of silicone on the base of the pins and tape them in an "outward" position to dry. This gives you the third hand you will be looking for when you put the shoes on. Slide the springs that you compressed with dental floss over the pin and put the slotted retaining washer on the pin. Flame the dental floss and your good to go. I actually enjoyed the project
. I actually enjoyed the project
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
When I had my rear parking brakes replaced by Kenny (RIP) at Tom's Differential, he said that if you install new SS parking brake parts and install a new rotor, you should use the factory STEEL brake pads. The SS brake part kits, with SS pads, are for used rotors. The SS pads have an enlarged radius that assumes the rotors are worn. He said they don't fit well with new rotors.
I don't know the veracity of Kenny's comments. I have SS parking brake components with the OEM steel pads. They work fine.
Just a FYI.
I don't know the veracity of Kenny's comments. I have SS parking brake components with the OEM steel pads. They work fine.
Just a FYI.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
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hey guys i have a problem. i cant get the parking brakes to hold like i want them to. if i apply the parking brake it hold to the point that i cant push it but it will not hold the car from moving if i put it in drive of reverse. i have the adjustment on the cable all the way back and i have turned the stars a few time but it doesnt seem to help. any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
hey guys i have a problem. i cant get the parking brakes to hold like i want them to. if i apply the parking brake it hold to the point that i cant push it but it will not hold the car from moving if i put it in drive of reverse. i have the adjustment on the cable all the way back and i have turned the stars a few time but it doesnt seem to help. any ideas?
Secure the rotor with the lug nuts.
Pull screw driver up from floor until rotor is tight, then back off 7 to 9 clicks.
Final adjustment is done with the cables.
Pull up on parking brake handle, it will hold car from rolling on 14th click.
If you need more then 14 clicks the cables may be stretched, but even with new cables it still will not hold that good.
