Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

The parking brake is a mechanical, rather than hydraulic method of applying the rear brakes. Normally, the parking brake is used whenever the vehicle is parked to prevent unexpected vehicle movement.

The parking brake is applied when the parking brake control, located under the instrument panel, is pressed down by the driver. The parking brake control motion is transferred to the rear brakes through a front parking brake cable and conduit, parking brake cable equalizer, and a parking brake rear cable and conduit.

In drum brakes, movement of the secondary brake shoe and lining is transferred to the primary brake shoe and lining by the parking brake lever. When the secondary brake shoe and lining contacts the brake drum, the parking brake lever pushes the primary brake shoe and lining against the brake drum. Both sets of the rear brake shoes and linings are then applied against the brake drums.

The brake system warning indicator will illuminate if the parking brake control is applied or when the brake fluid in the brake master cylinder reservoir is low.