GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment C3500HD

The park brake must be adjusted any time the park brake cables are serviced, or the holding ability is not adequate. Before adjusting the park brake, check the condition of the service brakes. The service brakes must be adjusted properly before adjusting the park brake. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment in Drum Brakes.

  1. Raise the vehicle and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Loosen the adjusting nut at the equalizer.

  3. Object Number: 156614  Size: SH
  4. Set the parking brake by pushing the pedal down 18 degrees.
  5. • Insert a 3 mm (0.125 in) pin into locating hole (1) in the pedal assembly.
    • Push the pedal downward until the pin contacts the parking brake outer flange.
  6. Turn the adjusting nut at the equalizer until the wheels rotate forward with a moderate drag.
  7. Release the parking brake and rotate the rear wheels. There should be no drag.
  8. Lower the vehicle.

Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment Except C3500HD

Tools Required

J 35999 Tension Scale


    Object Number: 396572  Size: SH
  1. Remove the clevis pin (3) from the lever (2).

  2. Object Number: 156614  Size: SH
  3. Set the parking brake by pushing the pedal down 18 degrees.
  4. • Insert a 3 mm (0.125 in) pin into locating hole (1) in the pedal assembly.
    • Push the pedal down until the pin contacts the parking brake outer flange.

    Object Number: 396567  Size: SH
  5. Install J 35999 with a small length of cable or chain, and a tightening device (like a turnbuckle) on the frame.
  6. Install a small chain (5) on the lever (1) near the spring on the bottom of the lever.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the tightening device until J 35999 is at 222 N (50 lb ).

  8. Turn the clevis (3) until the pin (2) slides freely in the lever (1) with all slack removed from the cable.
  9. Install the clevis pin (2) and the cotter pin.
  10. Remove J 35999 and all extensions used.
  11. Release the parking brake.
  12. Rotate the drum to assure there is no drag.