I have an 89 Camaro RS V-8. Recently, I replaced my 10 bolt drum for a 9 bolt BW unit complete with the 89+ PBR disk brake setup. The rotors have visible wear on them so I figure its time to replace them. I also bought some rebuild kits from NAPA for each of the calipers. My e-brake works very poorly even though it is properly adjusted. I was wondering if new e-brake lines would increase the stopping power? Last time I looked, they were composed of some sort of plastic coated steel wire and ran through a sort of tube - almost like bicycle brakes. Mine looked like the plastic had worn off the steel wire in places - would this cause it to bind and loose its effectiveness? Also, to has anyone owned a brand new 89-92 Camaro - did the e-brake lock up the rear wheels when new?? I'm just trying to see if I have any hope in fixing this problem. If it worked when new then by replacing the old and worn out parts it should work right?? Also, I am going to be purchasing Bendix rotors and Hawk HPS pads for the rear - any ideas or comments on these?

 

You might be able to turn your rotors instead of having to replace them. I wouldn't bother rebuilding the calipers either unless they're leaking. E-brake cables tend to stretch over time, you might just need to adjust the cables.

 

Thanks Apeiron, also did anyone own one of these 89+ 3rd Gen's when new and did the e-brake lock up the rear disks??

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89 RS V8,Borg-Warner 9-Bolt rear,Open element,Flowmaster.

 

Any other opinions??

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89 RS V8,Borg-Warner 9-Bolt rear,Open element,Flowmaster.

 

I have one of those setups in my car... the parking brake will not lock up the rears, since after all it's not an emergency brake at all, it's a parking brake... it holds the car quite effectively on a hill however. I have mine adjusted to where I can't quite pull the handle all the way up.

You should be able to grab the cable in the center of the tunnel and pull on it, and see it visibly move through the housing. If it does, then it's fine. They don't often fail.

If the brakes don't stop the handle before it reaches the extent of its travel, adjust them up until they do. If they holds the car when parked, then that's all they're designed to do; I doubt they will ever lock the wheels up at any speed above 5 MPH if even then.

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