E Brake issues

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Nov 3, 2003 | 11:02 AM

DanielJordan

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 169

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From: Columbus GA

E Brake issues

Sometimes when I pull up my parking brake I hear this really loud pop, and the handle looses tention and the brakes are not applied. Anyone familar with this problem. What can I do about it?

Nov 3, 2003 | 11:49 AM

FASST LN

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 1,660

Likes: 9

From: Charlotte, NC

Re: E Brake issues (DanielJordan)

I had this on my Camaro and so did others.
There is a cable that is pulled taught to apply the E-brakes when you pull the handle. Sometimes the cable slips out of place and releases all tension on the e-brake handle and the brakes themselves.
If you remove your center console you can see the little metal clip that holds the cable in place. Other than welding another piece on to that, I would just say live with it.

I hope this helps. :)

Nov 3, 2003 | 12:41 PM

RskyBns

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,091

Likes: 0

From: Los Angeles CA

Re: E Brake issues (DanielJordan)

Popping Ebrakes are an extra perk you get when purchasing a C5....kinda like the wacky fuel gauge. :rolleyes:

Nov 3, 2003 | 07:53 PM

NVR BRNG

Racer

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 289

Likes: 0

Re: E Brake issues (DanielJordan)

The E-Brake check & adjustment is really EZ, the only draw back is that you have to remove the caliper & rotor in order to access the E-brake adjuster. While you're adjusting the E-Brake, check all of your connections. It should work properly after you adjust it.

Nov 3, 2003 | 11:07 PM

RAAJ97

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 42

Likes: 0

From: Monroe CT

Re: E Brake issues (DanielJordan)

Yes indeed! My '97 does it whenever I pull it up too fast, too hard. The C5 e- brake apparently walks a fine line between full on and full off! By the way mine prevents rearward motion better than frontward motion, but it is adequate when properly adjusted.
:chevy

Nov 3, 2003 | 11:51 PM

vettemaster1

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,288

Likes: 2

From: tucson az

Re: E Brake issues (DanielJordan)

MY E BRAKE HAS BEEN INTERMITANT SINCE THE DAY I GOT THE CAR NEW.THE AUTO ADJUSTER ON THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES ON MINE . KEITH

Nov 4, 2003 | 01:23 AM

markcz

Tech Contributor

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 7,035

Likes: 134

From: North Augusta, SC

Re: E Brake issues (DanielJordan)

Mine used to do that every third or fourth time I parked the car. The e-brake is supposed to be 'auto-adjusting'. If it works on your car, here's what to do:

-Stop the car facing uphill on a slight grade
-Let the car start to slowly roll backwards
-SLOWLY pull up on the e-brake to almost stop the car
-Repeat MANY times until you notice a shorter pull on the handle to fully engage the e-brake

If you read the instructions for the 'Parking Brake Adjustment' in C5 Tech Tips it mentions the 'clicks' that you adjust on the star. The auto-adjustment moves the star 1 click every time you pull up on the handle if the wheels are slowly rotating in reverse.
:cheers:

Nov 4, 2003 | 03:57 AM

lowdowndirty

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 1,104

Likes: 0

From: "In a van down by the river" CO

Re: E Brake issues (markcz)

I just adjusted mine. It took about 45 mins w/ no C5-related instructions. I took the calipers and rotors off and turned the star adjuster, remounted the drum and tried to turn it by hand. I adjusted quite a bit until I could get no movement. I backed the adjuster off until I could rotate the rotor (w/ some muscle) while hearing the lining slightly contacting the inner drum. Seems to work great. My "throw" on the e-brake handle is about 2/3 as much as it was and the brakes stick when engage. Problem solved.