Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

The park brake system is applied by depressing the park brake pedal. Applying the park brake pedal places tension on the park brake cables, which actuates the rear park brake mechanism. The system mechanically forces the rear brake shoes against the brake drums, locking the rear brakes.
All vehicles, except the RWD pickups, are equipped with a four-wheel disc braking system. The park brake system on vehicles equipped with rear disc brake systems uses brake shoes The brake shoes are inside a brake drum which is part of a one-piece drum / rotor casting. The brake shoes are mechanically applied to lock the rear brakes.
The park brake must be adjusted any time the park brake cables have been replaced or disconnected, or if the park brake holding ability is inadequate. The lever on the disc brakes must also be properly seated when this procedure is performed.
The park brake is not designed for use in the place of service brakes and should be applied only after the vehicle is brought to a complete stop, except in an emergency. Before working on the park brake system, make sure the service brakes are in good working order and adjusted properly.