e brake barely works
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: nc
e brake barely works
hey guys when i put my e brake on fully up it barely works, sometimes the car will still roll if its not in gear, is there a way i can easily adjust it or should i take it to the dealer ?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
From: Langhorne PA
Do a search in C5 Gen'l. Someone posted the fix there within the last week. The adjuster lock is binding and must be freed up. I suggested that he put it in Tech Tips. You will need to take the unit off, look on the underside and lube the lock (Cam?) that is supposed to go into the ratchet adjuster. 
Do the search.
Found it!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...026&forum_id=1
Do the search.Found it!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...026&forum_id=1
Last edited by Dr. Dan; May 11, 2005 at 09:26 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco CA
For your convenience, GM did not put an access hole on the backing plate which, means you have to pull the rotors off to get to the star wheel adjuster.
Of course, to pull the rotors off you will first have to remove the wheels and calipers first.
While it is possible the trouble is in the rachet handle assembly, it is more likely that the trouble is that the parking brake shoes are simply worn a little and need adjustment
Of course, to pull the rotors off you will first have to remove the wheels and calipers first.
While it is possible the trouble is in the rachet handle assembly, it is more likely that the trouble is that the parking brake shoes are simply worn a little and need adjustment
Last edited by SFVetteman; May 11, 2005 at 09:40 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
From: Manchester NH
It will also supposedly adjust just like any other drum brake...the catch is that it apparently only works right if it's not too far out of adjustment. This is coming from another post and I haven't tried it myself, but it's quick and easy to try.
If you're not familiar with how to auto-adjust a drum brake, you just bring the vehicle to a complete stop (in this case using only the e-brake) in reverse. You don't need to be going more than crawl speed, but you should make sure to go at least ten feet or so between stops and that the brake is fully released between stops.
-Pete
If you're not familiar with how to auto-adjust a drum brake, you just bring the vehicle to a complete stop (in this case using only the e-brake) in reverse. You don't need to be going more than crawl speed, but you should make sure to go at least ten feet or so between stops and that the brake is fully released between stops.
-Pete
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
From: Manchester NH
The other thing to try before taking anything apart is renewing the shoe surfaces by lightly applying the brake multiple times while moving (don't let the shoes overheat). You'll notice quickly if the brake starts to grab better.
If I recall correctly, my GM mechanic told me this is one of GM's official procedures for e-brakes that won't grab well.
-Pete
If I recall correctly, my GM mechanic told me this is one of GM's official procedures for e-brakes that won't grab well.
-Pete
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,896
Likes: 26
From: Manchester - Political correctness is tyranny with manners.
Originally Posted by Dr. Dan
Do a search in C5 Gen'l. Someone posted the fix there within the last week. The adjuster lock is binding and must be freed up. I suggested that he put it in Tech Tips. You will need to take the unit off, look on the underside and lube the lock (Cam?) that is supposed to go into the ratchet adjuster. Do the search.
Found it!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...026&forum_id=1
Do the search.Found it!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...026&forum_id=1
