GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Park Brake Shoe Adjustment

Tools Required

J 21177-A Drum-to-Brake Shoe Clearance Gage

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.

Important: The park brake shoes must be adjusted before the park brake pedal is adjusted.


    Object Number: 177200  Size: SH
  1. Set the J 21177-A so that it contacts the inside diameter of the rotor.

  2. Object Number: 177201  Size: SH
  3. Position the J 21177-A over the shoe and the lining at the widest point.
  4. Turn the adjuster nut until the lining just contacts the J 21177-A .
  5. Repeat steps 1-3 for the opposite side.
  6. The clearance between the park brake shoe and the rotor is 0.6604 mm (0.026 in).

Park Brake Pedal Adjustment

Important: Before you adjust the park brake, verify that the park brake shoes are adjusted to provide a clearance of 0.6604 mm (0.026 in).

  1. Verify that the equalizer nut is tightened to 3.5 N·m (31 lb in).
  2. Fully apply and release the park brake pedal 3 times.

Park Brake Adjustment - 2nd Design

  1. Ensure that the park brake is fully released.
  2. Pull the release handle and pull the pedal to full release position, while at the same time pulling the cable strand through the cable conduit.
  3. With the pedal secure, pull the cable strand until the adjuster fully takes out the cable slack, and the adjuster is fully wound.
  4. While maintaining tension on the front cable strand, install a pin through the hole in the cover, pedal, and past the adjuster, and into the hole mounting bracket.
  5. Release the tension of the cable strand.