Originally Posted by ZeroToSixty

My Parking / Emergency brake was only grabbing with the brake in the full upright position. Then one day it would not work at all.

(Thanks to Chicago1 for supplying the detailed instructions from a former post)

The shop that did the state inspection stated the only way to fix it was to replace the whole brake handle unit at 246.00 for the part and 2 hours labor at 90.00 an hour. (They were WRONG).



I was advised that the part number for the unit is 10323590 and given the following response.

10323590, the part number you requested has been discontinued and is no longer available from GM. You maybe able to locate one from an aftermarket source, or salvage yard.

10323579 is a valid GM part number and is listed as a lever.

I listed the part number just in case others actually have to replace it............but I find it unlikely.

You have to pull the wheel, remove the caliper





and bracket assy and then the rotor.





Adjust the shoes so there a very slight drag on the drum when you reinstall it. WARNING! If you get the drum too tight, you will NOT get it off again until the brake shoes wear down further!:





Adjustor wheel,........



Park Brake Adjustment
Tools Required
J 21177-A Drum to Brake Shoe Clearance Gauge

Important
Park brake adjustment is not necessary after replacing the park brake lever or park brake cables. The park brake cables are tensioned automatically by cycling the park brake lever three times.

Important
Do not operate the park brake lever with the rear disc brake rotor removed.

Place the inside measurement contacts of the J 21177-A at the widest point of the drum portion of the brake rotor (1).
Tighten the set screw on the tool in order to ensure the proper measurement when removing the tool from the drum.

Position the outside measurement contacts of the J 21177-A over the park brake shoe (1) at the widest point.

Important
If the gap between the adjuster nut and the adjuster screw exceeds 5 mm (0.25 in) during the adjustment procedure, the park brake shoe must be replaced.


Adjust the park brake shoe-to-drum clearance by rotating the adjustment nut on the park brake actuator. Specification
0.38 mm (0.015 in)

Install the rear brake rotors. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brakes.
Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
Apply and release the park brake lever three times .
Apply the park brake lever. Inspect the rotation of the rear wheels:
The wheels should not rotate forward.
The wheels should drag or not rotate rearward.
If the rear tire and wheel assemblies rotate forward or do not exhibit drag rearward, repeat the adjustment procedure.
Release the parking lever. Verify that the wheels rotate freely
Lower the vehicle




Now that the Emergency Brake has been adjusted........ test for tension (grab of the brakes shoes on the rotor). If there is no tension then the issue may just be the following problem in the brake handle assembly.

Take out the passenger seat and the rear portion of the center console to expose the Emergency Brake handle assembly.




Lubricate all areas near the lever and check for correct movement of the brake lever and rachet system...........mine was rusty and working intermittantly.





Reassemble and test,...........mine will now lock up the rear tires with a medium tug. I can now pass inspection and drift with confidence.......the Emergency Brake WORKS !

Originally Posted by freddyvette

I feel like this deserves a sticky