GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE PARKING BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

MODELS AFFECTED: 1987-89 SKYHAWKS 1987-1990 SKYLARKS

This bulletin has been revised to add 1990 Skylarks.

The service procedure for adjusting the park brake has been revised because of an increase in the number of teeth in the park ratchet mechanism. This change improves the "feel" of the park brake while applying it.

The only change to the service procedure is the number of clicks the brake is applied before the adjustment is made.

REVISED PROCEDURE

1. If necessary (drums turned, or brake shoes replaced), adjust rear brakes as described in Section 5C2 of the service manual.

2. Lift parking brake lever to 5 ratchet clicks on all models with hand lever park brakes, or depress foot pedal to 2 clicks on Buick Skylarks with foot apply park brake.

3. Raise car and suitably support. See Section OA of the service manual.

NOTICE: To prevent damage to the threaded parking brake adjusting rod when servicing the parking brake, clean and lubricate the exposed threads on each side of the nut.

4. Tighten adjusting nut on parking brake cable until the right rear wheel can just be turned rearward with two hands but cannot be turned forward.

5. Release parking brake. Rear wheels should now turn freely in either direction with no brake drag.

6. Lower car.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.