Why Does my parking brake not work
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Why Does my parking brake not work
For some reason, my parking brake really sucks. I figured after i changed the pads, 2 days ago that it would hopefully get better. Does the dealer need to adjust it, I know putting the brake on and backing up supposedly adjusts (so ive heard) but still nothing. Someone please help me out.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,466
Likes: 0
From: GARDENA Ca, State Of Konfusion
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (MaddMagRII)
Lots of complaints about this one, you are not alone! I have never tried it to see, if it will hold hill. Sounds like another little anoying thing like the moving seat.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 55,394
Likes: 1
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (wallstAL)
Lots of posts on this. The dealer should know how to make the adjustment. Then again, many have complained that the dealer wasn't able to figure it But!!! There is definitely an adjustment though 'cause I've seen posts on it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 8
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Daytona Jam 1 Veteran
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (MaddMagRII)
It seems the E brake on the C5 is a problem for many of us. Mine would not hold he car when pointing downhill. I had it adjusted and it seems to work much better.
I believe the dealers either are not familiar with how to adjust the e brake or act dumb because it requires a bit of work to accomplish.
The e brake shoes are located inside a drum that is behind the rotors. This requires that all be removed up to and including the rotors. There is a star adjustment that needs to be manipulated.
I had mine adjusted out until the drum would barely fit back on.
Hope this helps
Chuck
I believe the dealers either are not familiar with how to adjust the e brake or act dumb because it requires a bit of work to accomplish.
The e brake shoes are located inside a drum that is behind the rotors. This requires that all be removed up to and including the rotors. There is a star adjustment that needs to be manipulated.
I had mine adjusted out until the drum would barely fit back on.
Hope this helps
Chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (MaddMagRII)
The parking brake would not hold my C5 coupe on level ground with the A4 transmission shifted into gear. It took two trips to the dealer to have the brake repaired properly under the new car warranty.
There have been numerous posts regarding the poor quality of the C5 parking brake. It is another one of the car's "weak spots".
There have been numerous posts regarding the poor quality of the C5 parking brake. It is another one of the car's "weak spots".
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (MaddMagRII)
In addition to what everyone else has told you... Even after adjustment of the brake shoes located inside the rear rotors. The brakes will slowly go out of adjustment again... it might take 5,000 miles to do it... but believe me it will do it over and over again. :yesnod:
the good news is that we know how to fix it. :blueangel:
vetterdstr :cheers:
the good news is that we know how to fix it. :blueangel:
vetterdstr :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (vetterdstr)
And to add the last insult to this thread is:
EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE STILL UNDER WARANTEE, YOU HAVE TO PAY!!!
Chevrolet says its a normal wear item...
Even though the shop manual says its supposed to be "self adjusting".
It cost me $90.
EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE STILL UNDER WARANTEE, YOU HAVE TO PAY!!!
Chevrolet says its a normal wear item...
Even though the shop manual says its supposed to be "self adjusting".
It cost me $90.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin CA
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (C5GARY)
And to add the last insult to this thread is:
EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE STILL UNDER WARANTEE, YOU HAVE TO PAY!!!
Chevrolet says its a normal wear item...
Even though the shop manual says its supposed to be "self adjusting".
It cost me $90.
EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE STILL UNDER WARANTEE, YOU HAVE TO PAY!!!
Chevrolet says its a normal wear item...
Even though the shop manual says its supposed to be "self adjusting".
It cost me $90.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: Plano Texas
Re: Why Does my parking brake not work (MaddMagRII)
I would suggest that you try to do the manual adjustment at each wheel. If you can jack the car up just a few inches or so it shouldn't be too hard to do. Mine is starting to get loose and I might do it in the next week or so myself. I prefer my e-brake to engage with only 3-5 clicks. Any higher than that and you have a hard time opening the center console storage area.
