I just can't get a brake!

[Bob Booth]

Hello everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR! I have a restored '72 coupe. The problem is that I just can't seem to get the emerg. brakes working properly. There are almost all new components and have the cable and shoes adjusted to the max but still won't bite well. Pull up on the handle and it's almost as if the thing isn't even connected. I've heard that this is a common problem (maybe not this bad) and that it is a futile effort as they will never work right anyway. Is this true or am I doing something wrong? Also, is there an easier way to replace parts on these because, MY GOD, what a hassle to get to! Working around that flange is a nightmare! Who designed this thing! I ask because though I completely rebuilt the pass. side, the driv. side looked ok and after struggling with the pass. side one, I figured that if it ain't broke...well, you know.


Thanks,


Bob

[Bill Clupper]

Re: I just can't get a brake!

Bob, did you match the shoes to the inside diameter of the rotors? Some of the SS replacement parking brake shoes sets have been found to have an incorrect curvature the causes less than suficient contact between the shoes and the rotor. Also check your adjustment, there is a spec in the service manual, but I believe it;s like 7 or 8 clicks from "all off" to a position where you can't pull it any tighter. Check these out and let us know more.

[Joe L.]

Re: I just can't get a brake!

Bob-----


Bill's suggestion is a good one; sometimes the stainless replacement parking brake shoes can be improperly arched. However, most of the recent-production ones are ok. I don't know about other aftermarket replacements, though.


Otherwise, I strongly suggest that you follow EXACTLY the adjustment procedures found in the Chevrolet Service Manual. This includes BOTH adjustment of the brake shoes AND subsequent adjustment of the parking brake at the cable equalizer. If you "run out of adjustment" at the equalizer, it means that your rear cable is too long.

[Bob Booth]

Re: I just can't get a brake!

Bill & Joe,


Thanks for the helpful info. I'll be sure to try it. Thanks!


Bob

[Terry M.]

Re: I just can't get a brake!

Mike,


The suggestions of Bill and Joe are good ones. Allow me to also suggest that ignoring the parking brake equipment on one side of the car may be counter productive to your intended goal of a functioning parking brake.


Just so you know that they can work: No they are not emergency brakes and will not stop the car from speed in the absence of functioning road brakes - they are parking brakes and will keep the car from moving (in most cases) once it is already stopped. Hundreds of C3 Corvettes have passed the Performance Verification in which the function of the parking brake is checked.


I have forgotten now which way it is, but they do work less well in one direction than another. I think they work better as the car attempts to move forward and less well if the car is trying to roll back. The definitive answer to that is in the Performance Verification and Operations manual.


Terry

[Bill Clupper]

Re: I just can't get a brake!

Terry, you are correct, the camming action of the mechanism is more effective in preventing foreward movement than rearward. Your advice to look at the non-rebuilt side is good, even if only to do the proper adjustment as outlinted in the service manual.

[Terry M.]

Re: I just can't get a brake!

Even if I changed Bob's name to Mike??? Hope Bob understands & forgives.


Thanks for your support Bill.


Terry

[Bob Booth]

Re: Mike's a good name too...

Terry,


That name thing gets me sometimes too. Don't sweat it. Thanks for taking the time to respond!


In regards to the emerg. brakes, I will go back and try to adjust again but if that side proves in need of replacement parts, do you know of an easier way of reassembling the unit? Maybe a special tool to get those nasty spring retainers on? Pulling the axle would provide easy access but thats quite a job too! Any suggestions?


Thanks again,


Bob

[Terry M.]

Re: Mike's a good name too...

Bob,


Some places (Mid America, Ecklers and I am sure others) sell a modified screwdriver that can hook the springs through the slot for adjusting the brake shoes. Still a PITA though. I don't know of any easy way to do it.


Once you see the screwdriver tool you will say I could have made one of those, but that too is life.


Terry