Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
System Component Description
The park brake system consists of the following:
Park Brake Pedal Assembly: Receives and transfers park brake system apply input force from driver to park brake cable system.
Park Brake Release Handle Assembly: Releases applied park brake system when pulled.
Park Brake Cables: Transfers input force received from park brake pedal, through park brake cable equalizer, to park brake apply lever.
Park Brake Cable Equalizer: Evenly distributes input force to both the left and right park brake units. Threaded park brake cable equalizers are also used to remove slack in park brake cables.
Park Brake Apply Lever: Multiplies and transfers input force to park brake actuator.
Park Brake Actuator/Adjuster: Uses multiplied input force from apply lever to expand park brake shoe toward the friction surface of the drum-in-hat portion of the rear brake rotor. Threaded park brake actuators are also used to control clearance between the park brake shoe and the friction surface of the drum-in-hat portion of the rear brake rotor.
Park Brake Shoe: Applies mechanical output force from park brake actuator to friction surface of the drum-in-hat portion of the rear brake rotor.
NO RELATED
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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.