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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE2004BRAVADA AWDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 50 (DISC BRAKES)SYSTEM TESTSPARK BRAKE SYSTEM TESTING
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWD

Park Brake System Testing

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Park Brake System Testing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Were you sent here from a Hydraulic Brake Symptom table? If so, go to step  4 . If not, go to next step.
  2. Were you sent here from a park brake symptom table? If so, go to step  4 If not, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK  under TROUBLE SHOOTING.
  3. Is the symptom related to the ability of the park brake system to hold and/or release? Then go to PARK BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD OR RELEASE  under SYMPTOM TESTS. If not, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK  under TROUBLE SHOOTING.
  4. Raise and support vehicle with the rear axle supported by jack stands. With the park brake released, attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag. Do the rear brakes have a significant amount of drag? If so, go to step  6 . If not, go to next step.
  5. Apply the park brake. Attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag. Do the rear brakes have a significant amount of drag? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  7 .
  6. Release the park brake. Rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag. Did the rear brakes exhibit a significant reduction in the amount of drag? If so, go to step  18 . If not, go to step  12 .
  7. Visually inspect the park brake cable connections and the cables that are accessible on the underside of the vehicle for disconnections and/or damage. Were any of the park brake cables disconnected and/or damaged? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  9 .
  8. Reconnect or replace the park brake cable as necessary. See PARK BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY  or PARK BRAKE CABLES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs are complete, go to next step.
  9. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Have an assistant apply and release the park brake while you observe both of the brake caliper piston apply levers and the rear park brake cable for free and complete motion during both apply and release. Did the caliper piston apply levers and the rear park brake cables exhibit free and complete motion during both apply and release of the park brake? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  12 .
  10. Apply the park brake. Attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag. Do the rear brakes have a significant amount of drag? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  12 .
  11. Release the park brake. Rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant reduction in the amount of drag. Did the rear brakes exhibit a significant reduction in the amount of drag? If so, go to step  18 . If not, go to next step.
  12. Disconnect the intermediate park brake cable from the front cable. See PARK BRAKE CABLES  . Disconnect the rear park brake cables from the brake caliper piston apply levers. See PARK BRAKE CABLES  . Inspect the intermediate and rear park brake cables for free movement. Apply and release the brake caliper piston apply levers. Observe for the following:
    • Free Motion Of The Piston Apply Levers During Apply
    • Free And Complete Return To The Stops When Released
    • Free Movement Of The Caliper Pistons During Apply
    • Free Return Movement When Released
    Do any of the park brake cables checked require replacement? If so, go to step  14 . If not, go to next step.
  13. Did the brake caliper piston apply levers move freely during apply and freely and completely return to the stops during release; and did the caliper pistons exhibit freedom of movement during apply and release? If so, go to step  20 . If not, go to step  19 .
  14. Replace any of the park brake cables inspected that do not have free movement. See PARK BRAKE CABLES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs are complete, go to next step.
  15. Apply the park brake. Attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for significant amount of drag. Do the rear brakes have a significant amount of drag? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  17 .
  16. Release the park brake. Rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant reduction in the amount of drag. Did the rear brakes exhibit a significant reduction in the amount of drag? If so, go to step  18 . If not, go to next step.
  17. Disconnect the intermediate park brake cable from the front cable. See PARK BRAKE CABLES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disconnect the rear park brake cables from the brake caliper piston apply levers. See PARK BRAKE CABLES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Have an assistant apply and maintain the caliper piston apply lever to apply the caliper piston. Attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag. Repeat for the other side of the vehicle. Release the caliper piston apply levers. Rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant reduction in the amount of drag. Did the brake calipers apply and release properly? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  19 .
  18. Reconnect the intermediate and rear park brake cables if they have been disconnected. See PARK BRAKE CABLES  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Grasp the intermediate park brake cable and pull downward to check the amount of tension on the park brake cables. The park brake cables should have a moderate amount of tension. Quickly release the intermediate cable and observe for a quick and complete return of the cable. Did the park brake cables have a moderate amount of tension and exhibit a quick and complete return? If so, go to step  21 . If not, go to step  20 .
  19. Replace the appropriate rear brake caliper. See BRAKE CALIPERS  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs are complete, go to step  21 .
  20. Replace park brake pedal assembly. See PARK BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After repairs are complete, go to next step.
  21. Apply the park brake. Attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag. Release the park brake. Rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant reduction in the amount of drag. Did the park brake apply and release properly? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  4 .
  22. Install or connect any components that were removed or disconnected during diagnosis. Did you complete operation? Park brake system should be okay. If not okay, go to  2 .
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.