Brake Questions

[ScottS4050]

So I did all my brakes today, front and rear, new pads and rotors. When I put them
back together, some of the bolts that go into the caliper shafts wouldn't tighten down.
They would screw into the shaft until it was bottomed out, but then the shaft would
just spin. They were all very tight before I took them off. So my first question is:
1) Is that normal? If not, how do I get the shaft to stop spinning so I can torque
the bolts down?

Next subject - parking brake
The parking brake is a tiny drum brake inside the rear rotors. I can't seem to figure
out how these adjust (yes I searched this site, but there doesn't seem to be a
definate answer.) My parking brake goes almost vertical before engaging.
I looked around the brake shoes and along the cable, all the way to where the cable
enters the car, and could not find any adjustment. The only place I didn't
check was under the console on the handle itself.
So second question:
2) How do you adjust the parking brake? Is it on the handle, or would I be
wasting my time taking the console apart?
Or is replacing the parking brake shoes the only way to adjust it? They are pretty thin.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

btw - I can't find my Haynes manual to save my life, or I would've checked that first.

[Docta]

Re: Brake Questions

Along with your parking brake deal, mine does the same. Or if I pull too fast it feels like a tooth skips and it just jumps to the end of the lever and doesn't engage.

[kristen]

Re: Brake Questions

the only way to adjust the parking break is under the console

[LETZRIDE]

Re: Brake Questions

you need to use a wrench to hold the bottom nut on the slider pin, so you can torque the bolt down...you'll see a nut end just the other side of the caliper face.

not sure about the parking brake.

[ssms5411]

Re: Brake Questions

Parking brake should be self adjusting , just pull it up as far as you can then release it , do it about 2-3 times and it should adjust.

[EarlR]

Re: Brake Questions

So I did all my brakes today, front and rear, new pads and rotors. When I put them back together, some of the bolts that go into the caliper shafts wouldn't tighten down. They would screw into the shaft until it was bottomed out, but then the shaft would just spin. They were all very tight before I took them off. So my first question is: 1) Is that normal? If not, how do I get the shaft to stop spinning so I can torque the bolts down?

Just in case Ride's explanation wasn't totally clear: the "shaft" you mention is actually the caliper pin, it is what allows the caliper to slide back and forth as it closes and opens. On the part of the shaft that sticks out of the bracket there are two flat spots opposite each other; you put a wrench (16mm or 17mm maybe???) onto the shaft where the flats are and that will hold it from turning while you tighten the bolt. Keep in mind those bolts don't have to be super tight (~25 ft/lbs per the Haynes manual), just nice and snug. Also, make sure the pins slide in and out easily; I always grease mine whenever I'm changing pads.

[ScottS4050]

Re: Brake Questions

Thanks guys. I'll try your suggestions and report back.

[g9m1c]

Re: Brake Questions

My parking brake does the same...it's annoying..I'm gonna try ssms's method

[ScottS4050]

Re: Brake Questions

Well, I tried ssms's method for adjusting the parking brake (repeated 6 or 8 times) and it is still the same.

[g9m1c]

Re: Brake Questions

Well, I tried ssms's method for adjusting the parking brake (repeated 6 or 8 times) and it is still the same.

tried it also and mine is still the same.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Brake Questions

Well, I tried ssms's method for adjusting the parking brake (repeated 6 or 8 times) and it is still the same.

That's maybe because you have a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT rear brake setup? :rolleyes:

93-97 and 98+ are significantly different - nothing is common between the two versions.
.

[Docta]

Re: Brake Questions

Then if it's different, what should we do? Help is always appreciated more so than simply telling someone they did it wrong. That's like going to a funeral, "I toldya so!"

[Rob Bell]

Re: Brake Questions

On page 9-21 of the Haynes manual it states that there is no adjustment of the cable. You apply and release the parking brake three times to let it self-adjust. The only provision there appears to be for adjustment is the brake shoe adjustment screw on the brake assembly. My guess is that if adjusting the screw does not fix it you probably need new shoes. Do you use the parking brake a lot while moving? You'd think those shoes would last forever. Either that or the cable has stretched to the point it needs replacement.

The manual does mention lever freeplay adjustments, but that's 1997 and earlier models. If you want that, let me know.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: Brake Questions

Then if it's different, what should we do? Help is always appreciated more so than simply telling someone they did it wrong. That's like going to a funeral, "I toldya so!"

Because I have a 96, and no clue how to adjust a 98+ drum e-brake.

However, I just found out that my 2006 Implala SS has the same style and I had to take to my local dealer to get adjusted. And BTW they want $350 to replace the shoes since they are worn to the point of no more adjustmet!

Now I know why I never liked this design. The 93-97 rears have no extra drum. The e-brake handle closes the rear caliper directly.
.

[g9m1c]

Re: Brake Questions

That's maybe because you have a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT rear brake setup? :rolleyes:

93-97 and 98+ are significantly different - nothing is common between the two versions.
.

your right they are completely different. They changed alot 98+, I was surprised when I checked some out on a car. I have the 93-96 style disk. Checked out the haynes manual on page 9-21. Im thinking mine does it because I didnt adjusted the brakes after I did my brake job.