2001 Chevy Blazer 4x4 - No tension on the parking brake.

[winston762]

The title says it all...

I just bought a 2001 Blazer 4 x 4 and the parking brake is useless at the moment. I can press the peddle all the way to the floor, it locks in place and the release works fine. But the brake does not engage, or at least not enough to do anything. I can put it in drive or reverse and it will roll at an idle.

I know from experience that this usually a simple adjustment, but I haven't done it before and have no idea what to look for or how to do it.

Help..?!?!

[winston762]

Also, it will roll when in neutral on any type of incline or decline with the brake "engaged".

Thanks!

[MT-2500]

Is the cable broke any place?
Does it pull the cables to rear wheels?
Got any adjustment on it?

[winston762]

I haven't checked the cable, I didn't know where to look. I have read some other info on the web and I "think" I know how to find it. I will get underneath it today and take a look then post what I find.

Thanks..!

[MT-2500]

You are welcome.
Just look for steel cables to rear wheels

[winston762]

Ok,

I found the cable pretty easy, it is not broken that I can see, and when I engage the brake it pulls somewhat tight. There is a little slack in it (I can wiggle it a little) when it is fully engaged.

I took some pictures to hopefully assist this process, but I am afraid that this might need to be adjusted in the drums (I read somewhere about this) and it might be more than I can tackle by myself. I hope not because I am on a seriously limited budget after buying it.

I was laying next to the driver side taking them.

Here's the pics:

Looking forward toward the engine:



Looking directly at the driver side:



Looking toward the rear (fuel tank):



I know I gave the simpleton descriptions but they were to help me digest your advice...

Thanks again..!

[MT-2500]

If a 1"-2" of cable pull does not start to apply brake in rear wheels pull rear drums and check lining and self adjusters and all brake hard wear.
Make sure the self adjusters are working good.

Pre Adjust the shoe adjustment to fit the drums and see what emg brake does.
Good Luck

[fuzzbutt]

Just an FYI those parking brake linings for the 4 wheel disk trucks are about the most expensive brake pads/shoes I have ever seen on a passenger vehicle.

Dumb thing about them is unless you have then adjusted right and use them once in a while the drum area of the rear disk will rust (well at least in Michigan it does) and wear the liner badly.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by fuzzbutt

Just an FYI those parking brake linings for the 4 wheel disk trucks are about the most expensive brake pads/shoes I have ever seen on a passenger vehicle.

Dumb thing about them is unless you have then adjusted right and use them once in a while the drum area of the rear disk will rust (well at least in Michigan it does) and wear the liner badly.

As fuzzbutt said.
Also If it has rear disk brakes tthe eng brake linning/shoe will be inside the rotor.

[winston762]

I know my mind is probably playing tricks on me, but I think it grabbed a little today.

Since I bought it this past Friday night, I use the parking break every time I park, the last owner didn't. I think I noticed it hold in place when I parked on a very shallow incline this evening.

Do these things self adjust..?

I think I might have read something about that on the internet while looking for answers and this site.

[old_master]

The parking brake does not self adjust. All GM S/T series vehicles 1982 and newer, use a manually adjusted cable for the parking brake. On vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes, in addition to the cable length adjustment, there is a manual shoe adjustment inside the parking brake drum. Both adjustments must be checked and adjusted if necessary when servicing the parking brake. Disconnect the cable, remove the drum and adjust the parking brake shoe until a very slight drag is felt when the drum is installed. Reconnect the cable & adjust it for approximately 2" of parking brake pedal travel.