Parking Brake System: Adjustments

Park Brake Adjustment

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum-to-Brake Shoe Clearance Gage

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution .

1. Apply and fully release the park brake.
2. Verify that the park brake pedal releases completely.

* Turn ON the ignition. Verify the BRAKE indicator lamp is off.
* If the BRAKE indicator lamp is on, ensure the park brake pedal is in release mode and has fully returned to the stop. Remove the slack in the front park brake cable by pulling downward on the cable.

3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .




5. Loosen the locknut (1) at the park brake cable equalizer to relieve tension on the park brake system.
6. Remove the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (Service and Repair) .




7. Set the J 21177-A inside of the park brake drum (1) at the widest point.

* Place the contacts on the tool to the widest point of the drum.
* Tighten the set screw on the tool to ensure the proper measurement when removing the tool from the drum.





8. Position the J 21177-A over the park brake shoe (1) at the widest point.
9. Turn the adjuster screw until the park brake shoe just contacts the J 21177-A .
10. Repeat steps 7-9 for the opposite side.
11. Install the rear brake rotors. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (Service and Repair) .
12. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .




13. Adjust the park brake by turning the locknut (1) at the equalizer while spinning both rear wheels. When either rear wheel starts to drag, back off the locknut one full turn.
14. Lower the vehicle to curb height.
15. Apply the park brake, then inspect for rotation of the rear wheels. If the rear wheels rotate during this inspection, then readjust the park brake shoes.
16. Release the park brake. Verify the rear wheels rotate freely.
17. Lower the vehicle.