Parking brake works - only for a while
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 587
Likes: 49
From: Belgium
Parking brake works - only for a while
Hey guys,
I’m preparing my vette for the bi-yearly inspection.
everything works, except my parking brake.
2 years ago I adjusted everything following DUB’s guide.
I initially tightened the cable , which seemed to work. But after driving +- 100 miles the parking brake doesn’t hold the car anymore. As if the shoes wear when driving.
any ideas?
cheers
I’m preparing my vette for the bi-yearly inspection.
everything works, except my parking brake.
2 years ago I adjusted everything following DUB’s guide.
I initially tightened the cable , which seemed to work. But after driving +- 100 miles the parking brake doesn’t hold the car anymore. As if the shoes wear when driving.
any ideas?
cheers
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 587
Likes: 49
From: Belgium
Crackin' on...
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,449
Likes: 124
From: Somewhere in Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '09
I think they are supposed to "adjust" themselves each time you brake while reversing. If you don't brake, or often enough, it could be NOT adjusting for wear.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 1,825
From: Apple Valley, MN
Do you know if the parking brake mechanisms have ever been replaced? If they are original to the car, they are likely rusted to a point where they no longer function (read move).
Swapping the hardware out with stainless replacements is the way to go but it not is a job for the faint of heart. It can be done without removing the axle but it takes a bit of effort and a lot of patience. Lots of posts on the forum for the particulars.
Swapping the hardware out with stainless replacements is the way to go but it not is a job for the faint of heart. It can be done without removing the axle but it takes a bit of effort and a lot of patience. Lots of posts on the forum for the particulars.
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Michael S. Palmer
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Do you know if the parking brake mechanisms have ever been replaced? If they are original to the car, they are likely rusted to a point where they no longer function (read move).
Swapping the hardware out with stainless replacements is the way to go but it not is a job for the faint of heart. It can be done without removing the axle but it takes a bit of effort and a lot of patience. Lots of posts on the forum for the particulars.
Swapping the hardware out with stainless replacements is the way to go but it not is a job for the faint of heart. It can be done without removing the axle but it takes a bit of effort and a lot of patience. Lots of posts on the forum for the particulars.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 587
Likes: 49
From: Belgium
They were replaced by the PO with stainless stuff. I normally only use the P of my automatic transmission when parking, but now swapped to a manual transmission so I need it from time to time. Just can’t get my head around them working and then not working after a few miles
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
But seriously(er)...there are too many items on a C3 to check properly before making a purchase...the Rules List would be 5 pages/single-spaced.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 587
Likes: 49
From: Belgium
It has new hardware on the full brake system, new E-brake springs, plates, cable,...
Ive re-adjusted everything, I’ll see how it goes I guess.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,607
Likes: 7,053
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
There are some exceptions. Mine was/is a basketcase bought out of a tractor shed. 1968 convertible with 1976 nose and tail light clips grafted on with bondo. Like you, I wanted it my way so there would be no surprizes.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 353
From: Portland, Oregon
It took me three tries to get the e-brakes working right. When turning the star wheel, that 6-8 notches is a variable. If the brakes don’t hold go an extra notch or two tighter than you did the time before. The cables should have some slack in them while adjusting the shoes, then tighten the cables.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,228
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
You may have left it partially engaged while driving, in which case, it the shoes may have worn a bit.
You should be able to tell when parked and engaging it if it's adjusted properly. If too loose, you wouldn't get much resistance on the handle.
Also, sometimes, with lack of use, the shoes or drum may get rusty (drums) or crudded up. I sometime lightly apply the parting brake while driving to wear everything in.
You should be able to tell when parked and engaging it if it's adjusted properly. If too loose, you wouldn't get much resistance on the handle.
Also, sometimes, with lack of use, the shoes or drum may get rusty (drums) or crudded up. I sometime lightly apply the parting brake while driving to wear everything in.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 271
Likes: 120
From: Rock Hill South Carolina
Originally Posted by Dusky;[url=tel:1603377385
1603377385[/url]]meh, I bought this one as a basketcase to restore, in the USA people wouldn’t have bought this one, too far gone.
It has new hardware on the full brake system, new E-brake springs, plates, cable,...
Ive re-adjusted everything, I’ll see how it goes I guess.
It has new hardware on the full brake system, new E-brake springs, plates, cable,...
Ive re-adjusted everything, I’ll see how it goes I guess.
Wife: “that’s junk. You can’t restore that.”
Me: “give me the credit card, and hold my beer.”