Parking Brake System: Testing and Inspection

The parking brake assembly is designed to be completely applied before the parking brake lever completes its maximum travel. Approximately six to eight "clicks" with 20 kg. (44 lbs.) of pressure should be audible before the lever reaches its maximum pull (parking brake is fully engaged). If the lever travel is outside of this range, the parking brake must be adjusted. If the parking brake is applied and cannot be released, look for any of the following:
- Corroded or "frozen" cable(s).
- Stuck brake shoe(s).
- Broken or binding cable guide(s).
- Malfunctioning release button.

If the parking brake lever moves freely through its entire range without resistance and without applying the parking brake, look for any of the following causes:
- Missing locknut from the equalizer.
- Parking brake cable(s) broken.
- Parking brake cable(s) disconnected at parking brake lever(s).

If the parking brake lever moves freely through its entire range with normal resistance but without applying the parking brake, listen for the "clicks" indicating the pawl is being engaged. If none are heard, the pawl assembly is broken and the lever must be replaced. If "clicks" are heard, the parking brake is out of adjustment.