03 Cavi E brake cable Won't Tighten....

[drizler]

I have one of those last model Caveys that Chevy chose to save a nickel and leave off the adjuster. I've been all over this thing and it's just not going to be right without a tensioner of some sort. I could fab one or rig something but really don't want to bother with all that if something is out there to do the deed . Is there some sort of add on generic part out there to tension that cable to suck up that little bit of slack I need to get this thing working again and yes it has new shoes back there. Thanks.......

[gmtech1]

Have you checked the rear brakes? They may be worn out, or out of adjustment.

[Tech II]

Sure there is no adjuster near the rear axle where the second cable attaches? If no, then the adjustment may be in the ratcheting mechanism....

Like GMtech1 said, are the shoes properly adjusted?

[drizler]

Nope, it's not the brakes. In fact it went from crap to nearly useless when I changed out the worn out shoes that were on there. That's how I found out there is no adjuster on those 2003 to 2005 Cavaliers, nothin, nada. You ratchet on the ebrake handle backing up but I like many others have found it doesn't really work. Believe me on this one I looked into it pretty hard and found it's just a job by Chevy. I did go by Advance and ask if they had some sort of ad on tensioner rig and they don't. Oh well I'll figure something out.