Parking Brake Replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Parking Brake Replacement
Any one know if replacing the parking brake lever & mechanism is something that can be done with a standard set of tools and knowledge? My '96 parking brake will engage, but won't release at times. Then I have to keep pulling up on it to try to push the button in for the release. I can tell by the way it feels that the mechanism is worn and loose. Thanks.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 93
From: Marietta, GA
I can tell you that just getting the cover off is a fun job. I have a 94 and went by the book when replacing my rear brake pads, which means locking out the auto recoil on the emergency brake.
Anyway, I have sport seats and just getting to the two screws that hold on the cover was a pain in the rump. After removing the seat cushion and seeing the virtually unreachable screw locations, I ended up drilling a hole in the side frame of the seat to allow me to slide a screw driver shaft through the drilled hole and on to the head of the cover screw.
As far as the actual mechanism goes, I think standard tools, a parts diagram, and a service manual will get you through the difficulty. You might want to check the lines under your car to make sure that they are hanging up somewhere before jumping into the brake lever mechanism.
Anyway, I have sport seats and just getting to the two screws that hold on the cover was a pain in the rump. After removing the seat cushion and seeing the virtually unreachable screw locations, I ended up drilling a hole in the side frame of the seat to allow me to slide a screw driver shaft through the drilled hole and on to the head of the cover screw.
As far as the actual mechanism goes, I think standard tools, a parts diagram, and a service manual will get you through the difficulty. You might want to check the lines under your car to make sure that they are hanging up somewhere before jumping into the brake lever mechanism.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,002
Likes: 5
From: No Opti Here Tn
St. Jude Donor '06
The seat is held in by 4 nuts
It is much easier to do this job by just removing the seat
No need to drill
Sounds to me though the OP might just need to adjust the parking brake Not replace it
It is much easier to do this job by just removing the seat
No need to drill
Sounds to me though the OP might just need to adjust the parking brake Not replace it
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 13
From: Romeoville IL
Any one know if replacing the parking brake lever & mechanism is something that can be done with a standard set of tools and knowledge? My '96 parking brake will engage, but won't release at times. Then I have to keep pulling up on it to try to push the button in for the release. I can tell by the way it feels that the mechanism is worn and loose. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Thanks for the advice guys. I just bought a 2007: silver with tan interior and only 3000 miles. I need to fix up the '96 to sell it. I think I'll just have my Corvette mechanic do it. I plan to have oil, gas and air filters replaced. So, I think I'll avoid a headache and have him do it.
