Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

Park Brake System Description and Operation





Park Brake Components
The park brake lever is attached to the equalizer. The equalizer ensures an equal force is applied to each rear wheel. The equalizer is attached to 2 park brake cables. The park brake cables are attached to the rear drum brake assemblies. The park brake cables move the brake shoes against the brake drums. The friction between the brake shoes and the brake drums inhibit the brake drums, the wheels, and the tires from turning.

Park Brake Lever





Pulling up on the park brake lever activates the park brake system. The pawl engages in the teeth on the lever and holds the lever in position.
Complete the following steps in order to release the park brake:
1. Gently pull upward on the park brake lever (2).
2. Push in the release button (1).
3. Continue pushing in the release button while lowering the park brake lever.
Pushing in the release button moves the pawl away from the teeth on the lever. Lowering the park brake lever releases the tension on the park brake cables and reduces the friction between the brake shoes and the brake drums.

Park Brake Cables
The twisted strand steel park brake cables are covered by a plastic material. The plastic material allows the cable to slide freely. The cables attach to the equalizer and the brake drum assemblies. The cables are secured to the vehicle by retainers on the body, the frame crossmember, and the frame.

Park Brake Switch
The park brake switch is attached to the park brake lever. The switch is open when the park brake lever is in the released position. The switch is closed when the park brake lever is in the engaged position. Closing the switch illuminates the BRAKE indicator.