Need Help With Emergency Brake Not Holding Adequately On 2007 Chevy Malibu SS
#1
07-28-14, 06:36 AM
Need Help With Emergency Brake Not Holding Adequately On 2007 Chevy Malibu SS
I have a 2007 Chevy Malibu SS with 4 wheel disc brakes.
Within the last month or so the emergency brake stopped holding very well and my mechanic and service manual I bought says there is no adjustment.
My guess is that the emergency brake cable has stretched just enough so when the emergency brake pedal is depressed the pedal travel doesn't move the rear brake pads enough to clamp tightly on the rotors to hold the car from moving.
So my question is whether there is an aftermarket device or gadget that allows me to shorten the emergency brake cable(s) slightly in order to regain holding power?
I would appreciate any comments or suggestions to help solve this problem short of replacing the cables.
Thank you
Within the last month or so the emergency brake stopped holding very well and my mechanic and service manual I bought says there is no adjustment.
My guess is that the emergency brake cable has stretched just enough so when the emergency brake pedal is depressed the pedal travel doesn't move the rear brake pads enough to clamp tightly on the rotors to hold the car from moving.
So my question is whether there is an aftermarket device or gadget that allows me to shorten the emergency brake cable(s) slightly in order to regain holding power?
I would appreciate any comments or suggestions to help solve this problem short of replacing the cables.
Thank you
#2
07-28-14, 07:22 AM
Member
Maybe it's time for new brake shoes in the rear?
http://www.justanswer.com/chevy/14ql...ton-rotor.html
http://www.justanswer.com/chevy/14ql...ton-rotor.html
#4
07-28-14, 08:45 PM
Member
It does not look like you have pads and rotors, looks like you have drums and shoes.
BUT!! If you have actual rotors and pads in the rear, then you have inside the rotor drum parking shoe, which is one large brake shoe, sort of horse shoe shaped.
I think, I used "shoe" too much.
That being said, if that's the case, those parking brakes in GM edition suck badly. Replace the shoes.
| Repair Guides | Parking Brake | Adjustments | AutoZone.com
BUT!! If you have actual rotors and pads in the rear, then you have inside the rotor drum parking shoe, which is one large brake shoe, sort of horse shoe shaped.
I think, I used "shoe" too much.
That being said, if that's the case, those parking brakes in GM edition suck badly. Replace the shoes.
| Repair Guides | Parking Brake | Adjustments | AutoZone.com
#6
07-29-14, 08:33 AM
Member
Rear disk brake rotors CAN have a PARKING BRAKE internal expanding brake assembly that acts on the inside of the rotor hub. It Does Not look like a typical drum brake assembly. I Am Not Sure which type of brake you have.
#7
07-29-14, 08:50 AM
Super Moderator
Autozone is pretty clear that these are self adjusting parking brakes. It's possible the self adjusting mechanism has frozen up or that the pads have been worn beyond the adjustment zone. Normally the latter would only happen if it was driven with the brake applied, not from simply setting it after stopping.
There is a procedure to adjust it, but it only involves applying and releasing the brake several times. If that doesn't do it, the the rear rotors may need to be removed and the hardware cleaned and lubed or replaced.
Your mechanic should have known these things. Maybe a visit to a dealer is called for.
There is a procedure to adjust it, but it only involves applying and releasing the brake several times. If that doesn't do it, the the rear rotors may need to be removed and the hardware cleaned and lubed or replaced.
Your mechanic should have known these things. Maybe a visit to a dealer is called for.
#8
07-29-14, 09:00 AM
Rear disk brake rotors CAN have a PARKING BRAKE internal expanding brake assembly that acts on the inside of the rotor hub
I've had cars with internal expanding brake assemblies inside rear rotors but this Malibu SS is not built that way. It's an oddball design where emergency brake cable attaches to a lever mounted to the rear side of each caliber that applies pressure to the rear brake pads in order to clamp tightly on the rotor.
My conclusion remains that the cable(s) have stretched enough since we bought the car new in 2007 that there's not enough travel when the emergency brake is depressed for the rear pads to hold tightly on the rear rotors.
I found on the internet that Dorman makes a emergency brake cable shortener but it not rated very well.
At this point, I guess my question is whether anyone knows of a good quality cable shortener or a good way to fabricate one?
Thank you
#9
07-29-14, 09:25 AM
Super Moderator
I think the problem may be that these cables are probably sheathed? Not like the old ones that were exposed til they got to the rear axle?
#10
07-29-14, 11:48 AM
Gunguy45 said
My mechanic and personal friend of 35 years and I are both aware of the things you mention. I had him replace the rear brake pads, rotors and brake hardware a few weeks ago. The emergency brake didn't hold very well before he replaced the parts and didn't work any differently after he replaced the parts.
As you point out, the procedure for self-adjusting the emergency brakes is to apply and release the pedal several times which does not change anything in my car. Particularly because depressing the pedal too far simply releases the emergency brakes. I may also need to take a closer look at the pedal mechanism in the car because that may be where the so called "self-adjusting" is actually located.
This is the standard line that every parts manual, service manual and online automotive parts website gives you without any description of how they self adjust.
Thanks for your comments.
Your mechanic should have known these things
My mechanic and personal friend of 35 years and I are both aware of the things you mention. I had him replace the rear brake pads, rotors and brake hardware a few weeks ago. The emergency brake didn't hold very well before he replaced the parts and didn't work any differently after he replaced the parts.
As you point out, the procedure for self-adjusting the emergency brakes is to apply and release the pedal several times which does not change anything in my car. Particularly because depressing the pedal too far simply releases the emergency brakes. I may also need to take a closer look at the pedal mechanism in the car because that may be where the so called "self-adjusting" is actually located.
Autozone is pretty clear that these are self adjusting parking brakes
Thanks for your comments.
#11
07-29-14, 02:55 PM
Super Moderator
Sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude before, but you may be on to something. Since you clarified that it does have that lever mechanism, any adjustment would almost have to be in the actuating pedal. There may be something worn or at the end of it's limits for adjustment.
