GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: This diagnostic table is designed to diagnose ONLY the components of the PARK brake system in order to determine if the PARK brake system is operating properly. You will be directed by the appropriate Symptom table to go to other brake system diagnostic tables as appropriate.

1

Were you sent here from a Hydraulic Brake Symptom table?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 2

2

Were you sent here from a Park Brake Symptom table?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Is the symptom related to the ability of the park brake system to hold and/or release?

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Park Brake

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes

4

  1. Raise and support the vehicle with the rear axle supported by jack stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. 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?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Apply the park brake.
  2. 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?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

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?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Reconnect or replace the park brake cables as necessary. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement .

Did you complete the repair and/or replacement?

Go to Step 13

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8

  1. Disconnect the rear park brake cables from the equalizer and from the brake caliper piston apply levers. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement .
  2. Have an assistant apply and maintain the caliper piston apply lever to apply the caliper piston.
  3. Attempt to rotate the rear wheels to check the rear brakes for a significant amount of drag.
  4. Release the caliper piston apply lever.
  5. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for the other side of the vehicle.
  6. Rotate the rear wheels to check the brake for a significant reduction of drag.

Did the brake calipers apply and release properly?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the appropriate rear brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

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10

With the aid of an assistant, apply and release the parking brake while observing the cables for free movement.

Did the park brake cables move freely?

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11

Replace any of the park brake cables inspected that do not have free movement. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

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12

Inspect the park brake level assembly for proper operation and replace if necessary. Refer to Parking Brake Lever Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 13

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13

Install or connect any components that were removed or disconnected during diagnosis.

Did you complete the operation?

Park Brake System OK

Go to Symptoms - Park Brake

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