Just been told my parking/e-break is too loose (especially on drivers side) for gov saftey checks. Apparently only about 40% of what it should be...

Anyone able to help me sort this?
A quick fix would be good for the retest but would like a longer term fix too if possible.

Thanks guys

Edit: forgot to mention have discs front and rear

 

Quick fix is, take the rear calipers off, and unscrew the piston thing to adjust them up. There's a "special tool" for doing that, but although dificult it's possible to do it without. Most likely you'll find that the whole mechanism is all rusted up and will require considerable penetrating oil and probably some hate speech to get it to loosen up.

That will also make the rear service brakes work ALTOGETHER better.

Long-term fix is, use the parking brake EVERY SINGLE TIME you park the car, WITHOUT FAIL, and twice on Sundays. Using the parking brake is what keeps it adjusted.

 

I do always use the parking break but not had the car that long and it sat for few years before I got it.

Could you give more info about where the 'piston thing' is as never worked on breaks before. A pic would be great if anyone has one.

Thanks for the help

 

The following may be helpful:

http://members.shaw.ca/crussel/recalls/86c28/86c28.html

JamesC

 

Quite interesting that thankyou but unfortunatly as mines an auto trans am doesn't apply to my particular problem.

Don't believe its a engineering defect more just age and lack of use have resulted in almost non existant parking break.
My lack of tech know-how (and the fact im mid house move with tools and axle stands packed) has left me kind of stuck here.

Think i'll have to resort to getting someone to do the work for me unfortunatly.

Thanks again for the help though

 

Though the recall was only for manual cars, the problem would have been the same for both manual and autos. Rather than rebuild, you might consider simply replacing the calipers.

 

of course sorry been a loong week already.

Im planning a big overhaul this winter with 350 swap and break + suspension overhaul so guess this just gives me another reason to do it.

Still need that temp quick fix for the safty man though but as my times now up i think it'll have to be my mechanic that finds it.

thanks again