02 Mailibu Parking Brake Adjust.

[FISH96]

Greetings To All:

Hope You Are Enjoying The Weekend.

2002 Malibu 3.1 Litre Vin J. 75k Miles. I Am Looking For The Exact Procedure To Properly Adjust The Parking Brake On The Above.

Vehicle Is Due For State Inspection.

Thanking You All In Advance For Any Guidance.
Regards,
Fish96

[slls]

If it does not get better with a dozen activations, replace the brake shoes.

[Ed_Strong]

From AutoZone.com Repair Guide
Cable(s)
Malibu 2001-2005

ADJUSTMENT

NOTE
This vehicle utilizes a self-tensioning, or self-adjusting park brake cable system. The park brake system does not require adjustment under normal operating conditions. The tension on the park brake cables can be disabled and enabled when necessary during service of the disc brake and/or the park brake system.

1. Apply and fully release the park brake several times. Verify that the park brake pedal releases completely.
2. Turn ON the ignition. Verify the red BRAKE warning lamp is not illuminated.
3. If the red BRAKE warning lamp is illuminated, verify the following:
- The park brake pedal is in the fully released position and against the stop
- There is no slack in the park brake cables
4. If the red BRAKE warning lamp remained illuminated and there were no other visible causes.
5. Turn OFF the ignition.
6. Raise and support the vehicle.
7. With the park brake pedal fully released, check the park brake levers on the rear calipers. The levers should be against the stops on the caliper housings. If the levers are not against the stops, binding may exist.
8. Fully apply and release the park brake pedal 3 to 5 times in order for the cable tensioner to take up any slack in the park brake cables.
9. Fully apply the park brake pedal, a firm pedal should be obtained by depressing the pedal less than one full stroke.
10. Attempt to rotate the rear tire and wheel assemblies. There should be no rotation forward or rearward.
11. Fully release the park brake pedal.
12. Verify the park brake is released by rotating the rear tire and wheel assemblies. The rear tire and wheel assemblies should rotate freely and exhibit no brake drag.
13. Lower the vehicle.

As slls said your rear brakes migh be too low and need replacement. i suggest you check them, it wouldn't hurt!

[FISH96]

Thanks Ed,
But This Vehicle Is Equipped With Drum Style Brakes In The Rear. Your Information Pertains To Calipers. Perhaps The Technical Manual Is Incorrect. Is There Any One Else Who Can Assist?
Also, By The Way The Friction Material Has Much Useable Life Left.
Regards,
Fish96

[Ed_Strong]

Sorry FISH96 my car has the rear disks brakes so I immediately tought your was the same way and I didn't realize. Anyway this is all I got from the same site:

Parking Brake Shoes
Malibu 2001-2005

ADJUSTMENTS

For the 2001–03 models, the rear drum brake shoes serve as the parking brakes. Refer to the procedures under Rear Drum Brakes.

Adjustments

2001–03 Models

Fully apply and release the parking brake (1) 4 to 6 times in order to self adjust the brake.

If that doesn't help there should be a slit either on the drums face or on the back plate covered by a plug that when removed gives you access to the Adjusting Screw that kinda looks like a star wheel.
Lift the rear wheel off the ground
Insert a flat tool or flathead screwdriver and turn the Adjusting Screw up while turning the wheel untill theres some drag being felt by the rear brake shoes indicating theres contact. Don't let them too tight or your brakes will overheat.
After adjusting both rear wheels, check the parking brake to make sure it's grabbing good.

[FISH96]

Thanks You Again, Ed. I Will Proceed With The Latest Recomendation.
Regards,
Fish96