Parking Brake System: Testing and Inspection

Check the park brake system for its ability to generate sufficient cable tension:
1. Check the drum brake clearance and reset if required. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment.
2. Fully apply and release the park brake lever 4 times.
3. Apply the lever to the 3-click position.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking.
5. Check the park brake cable tension by attempting to turn the right rear wheel with both hands. The wheel should only rotate backward, not forward.
6. If the wheel does rotate forward, readjust the rear shoe to the drum clearance until you hear a gentle shoe-to-drum contact.
7. Release the park brake and check for rear brake drag. Rear wheels should turn freely (you may hear a gentle shoe-to-drum contact).

The wire strand of the parking brake cables is coated with a plastic material which slides against nylon seals inside the conduit end fittings. This plastic coating is for corrosion protection and reduced parking brake effort.

IMPORTANT: Plastic coated parking brake cables do not need periodic lubrication.

Handling of these cables during servicing of the parking brake system requires a little extra care. Damage to the plastic coating will reduce corrosion protection. If the damaged area passes through the seal, increased parking brake effort could result. Do NOT allow the coating to come into contact with sharp-edged tools or with sharp surfaces of the vehicle underbody.