Hello,

I have an 86 Z28 with rear discs, and the parking brake grabs a little when applied, but not quite enough to "hold" the car from moving when in gear (automatic). This will not pass safety inspection.

I have the adjuster/equalizer noted in the attached pic. This is not a pic of my actual car, but I have the same one...HOWEVER it appears to be bent a bit, and there is more slack on one of the cables than the other.

Couple of questions for you guys:

1. When tightening the adjuster/equalizer to pick up slack, it appears that the 1/2" nut should be turned clockwise while holding the 5/16" threaded rod. Am I correct?
2. Has anyone ever used a Dorman parking brake cable tensioner to pick up loose slack? If so, then please do post pics if you can.
3. This thing is a PAIN IN THE NECK to adjust when the drivshaft is in the car. Any tips/tricks?
4. Lubrication: What is the best way to lubricate the ratcheting mechanism? Do I need to go in through the interior (console)?
5. Should I lubricate anything on the brake caliper assemblies themselves? Any adjustments on teh brake caliper assemblies?
   
   Please share any relevant tips or points. Many thanks guys.

 

1. regular thread; "left loose, right tight"
2. no input, haven't tried
3. i love my ratcheting wrenches, makes this job a bit less miserable
4. i would hit the threads up with some pb blaster and a soft wire brush to get rid of any light rust and grime, followed by a little bit of white lithium. by nature, it should fight you due to the lock nut on there (don't want this getting loose) but it should help a bit.
5. not sure here, so i'll leave it to others to answer

 

May well be the common problem with these rear discs. Check below for the recall:

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

JamesC

 

Based on what your describing it sounds like your calipers need to be adjusted. Since the cable on one side is stretched it would be a good idea to replace both cables. As long as the adjuster doesn't bind with anything and it operates as designed a minor bend in the adjuster isn't a big deal.

Check out this thread for info to adjust your rear calipers. I used the deepest socket I could find with a 12" extension. I used a 4" pair of vice grips to hold the rod while adjusting the tensioner nut. With the ratchet and extension I can angle it down to make adjusting the nut easier.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/brak...rear-disc.html