Here is the deal... I've already done several searches and have not found any good answers. It seems that everyone knows how to adjust the e-brake for '90-'92 rear disk brakes, but not for drums. I have rear drum brakes, and NO there is NOT an adjuster above the driveshaft, GM eliminated that threaded assy with the '90 model year. Where the heck is this adjuster? Is it in the center console behind the lever??? I don't want to take all that out only to find that it is not there... or doesn't adjust at all.

Thanks,
Harry

 

I could be mistaken, but I think that with drum brakes, the parking brake self adjusts when you apply the brakes going in reverse.

 

thnks for the reply Metalifann. Is this true? anybody??? I want to take up as much slack as possible because even with the brake pulled to damn near 90 degrees it doesn't hold. More input would be appreiciated on this one.

Harry

 

'90-'92 the parking brake adjustment is cinatined within the parking brake lever. It is "self adjusting".

Over time these cables, three in all, stretch. Once they have stretched far enough. The self adjusting mechanism runs out of adjustment. I would replace all three cables.

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

My e-brake was doing the same thing.I rremoved the console and found that dust over the years had built up in the grease on the teeth causing the ratchet mechanism to stick,not allowing it to adjust itself.Easy to see what was happening without the console.I cleaned all the teeth off and lightly greased it up again and after a few pulls,the e-brake is back.

 

... i also have a '91, trans am, and my rear brakes go out of adjustment over time... so that even a month after brake service, i get no brakage from the rear drums. the parking brake handle/ratchet slips like crazy

could someone re-explain how to fix the self adjuster problem in the console?

 

Damn, I can't believe it's been 3 months and I still haven't done anything about this! I guess that's what college does to your time Well, If I have time this weekend I suppose I should try and fix this. pvknight, I'll give you the heads-up about it when I'm done (pending I get to it). Time for an oil change too.

 

... haha, tru that college students - @ ucla mahself to do list: oil change, airfilter, parking brake adj, fuel filter, tune-up.

please keep me posted, thanks!

 

it is too long a subject to explain how the "self adjusting" parking brake lever works on '90-'92 cars. Most of the problem is due to dirt, etc. that has accumulated in the parking brake handle mechanisim, and the cables stretch. When the cables stretch, the assy runs out of adjustment. Once you remove and clean the assy. you will see exactly how it works.

After you have done this, if you have any further problems. Let me know, and I will see if I can help.

Thanx,ANDYZ28

 

AndyZ28, If in fact the cables are stretched, are they a dealer item? How about installation? I'm going to try cleaning, but with 94K on my car, I might need new cables. Thanks.

 

Yeah it's a dealer item. Not sure about the 2 rear cables but I replaced the front cable that attaches to the handle, wasn't expensive. Then the handle itself went a few weeks later, it only cost like $10 more than the cable, but it came with another cable. So I'd say just buy the handle mechanism and replace the whole damn thing while you have it apart.

 

My handle slowly got to where it would pull up at almost 90 deg. after 130,000 miles on the stock rear brakes, I replaced the drums and shoes and the handle worked like new again, it would pull up just a little and hold tight.

 

Sorry pvknight,
While changing the oil yesterday I noticed I had a few bolts loose on the tranny pan. Tried to torque 'em down and the old cork gasket squeezed out like peanut butter! So I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening replacing the filter and pan gasket. Well, at least I didn't wait and then have the old gasket blow out and a burnt up tranny. Looks like it'll be Thanksgiving break before I get to the brake cable now.

 

no worries 92, totally understand

I started (like 4 bolts) taking apart my center console.. but when I peered down the parking brake lever 'slit' I noticed that the ratcheting mechanism wasn't slipping much... maybe there's something that I'm not noticing that IS slipping? (anyone?)...

If it's not the ratchet/handle, I'm guessing it is indeed the brake cables, an expensive fix for a college man (my dealer charges $27/each, and there are three!).
lastly b/c I have a '91 TransAm, is it absolutely, positively true that there is no rear drum brake adjustment on the brake/axle itself? You know, before I take apart the interior

>> I noticed my parking brakes do not slow the car at all when applied and going in reverse... this is pretty bad, right?

Thanks a lot for the help & info, I'll prolly check the pads too.