Parking Brake Cable Adjustment...?

JDub99SL2 · 01-21-2004, 09:10 PM

I just finished converting my rear drums to disc. Everything went smoothly, except when I was finished, there was absolutely no tension on the parking brake cables. I found the 10mm adjusting nut on the end of the line, and adjusted it until it felt tight...

But, what I'm wondering is if there's a "proper" way to adjust this cable? I don't want to have them too tight, because that will make the pads stick to the rotor, won't it?

So, if anyone has any info on how to adjust the parking brake cables properly, I'd love to hear how. I don't want to eat up my shiny new rotors. :-)

Saturn-Eh! · 01-21-2004, 11:12 PM

there is an adjuster nut for the cables inside the center console behind the ashtray - 7/8" I believe. Make sure you seat the pads properly before adjusting though.

SLeepr · 01-21-2004, 11:32 PM

Follow Saturn Eh's direction and you should get a nice, tight pull on the ebrake handle. Don't clamp it down too tight or you'll make it hard to engage the ebrake.

Good job on the install!

jegster · 01-22-2004, 12:18 AM

Adjust it so when you pull up on the e brake it clicks about 4 to 6 clicks. At least that's what the Haynes say's and that's how I adjusted mine on my '99 SL2.

Saturn-Eh! · 01-22-2004, 12:19 AM

clarification - behind the rear ashtray... and yes, do not over-adjust - the brake should hold the car at 5-7 clicks, and release fully with no drag.

JDub99SL2 · 01-22-2004, 01:28 AM

Got it adjusted. It's a firm pull to engage it, but I've got big 'ol German arms. LOL, jk. It seems to be fine.

Saturn-Eh! · 01-22-2004, 09:17 AM

as long as it releases fully (no drag) you should be good to go.

Had a number of people with weak arms complain that the e-brake is too hard to engage on Saturns. I told them it was the Saturn bicep fitness machine.

SLeepr · 01-22-2004, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturn-Eh!
as long as it releases fully (no drag) you should be good to go.

Had a number of people with weak arms complain that the e-brake is too hard to engage on Saturns. I told them it was the Saturn bicep fitness machine.

Hey, maybe you're on to something? Bowbrake 10-minute biceps? I wonder if John Basedow would endorse it?!

JDub99SL2 · 01-22-2004, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Saturn-Eh!
Had a number of people with weak arms complain that the e-brake is too hard to engage on Saturns. I told them it was the Saturn bicep fitness machine.

LOL! Someone came in a couple days ago with a brand new toyota corolla and he was complaining that 'pushing the brakes makes my leg hurt.' I took a drive in it, they felt GREAT. To the point where I wish my brakes were like that, but he INSISTED there was something wrong. I just told him he needs to go to the gym more often. I don't think he took me seriously, but instead went to the dealer, where they, too, told him that there was nothing wrong.

People are funny.

01-21-2004, 09:10 PM	#1
JDub99SL2 Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: CA Posts: 823 JDub99SL2's Photos 1999 SL2	Parking Brake Cable Adjustment...? I just finished converting my rear drums to disc. Everything went smoothly, except when I was finished, there was absolutely no tension on the parking brake cables. I found the 10mm adjusting nut on the end of the line, and adjusted it until it felt tight... But, what I'm wondering is if there's a "proper" way to adjust this cable? I don't want to have them too tight, because that will make the pads stick to the rotor, won't it? So, if anyone has any info on how to adjust the parking brake cables properly, I'd love to hear how. I don't want to eat up my shiny new rotors. :-)

01-22-2004, 12:18 AM	#4
jegster Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 396 1999 SL2	Adjust it so when you pull up on the e brake it clicks about 4 to 6 clicks. At least that's what the Haynes say's and that's how I adjusted mine on my '99 SL2. ... Jeff http://www.cardomain.com/id/jegstersl2

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01-21-2004, 11:12 PM	#2
Saturn-Eh! Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Great White North Posts: 1,715 Saturn-Eh!'s Photos	there is an adjuster nut for the cables inside the center console behind the ashtray - 7/8" I believe. Make sure you seat the pads properly before adjusting though.

01-21-2004, 11:32 PM	#3
SLeepr Master Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Jose Posts: 2,461 SLeepr's Photos	Follow Saturn Eh's direction and you should get a nice, tight pull on the ebrake handle. Don't clamp it down too tight or you'll make it hard to engage the ebrake. Good job on the install!

01-22-2004, 12:19 AM	#5
Saturn-Eh! Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Great White North Posts: 1,715 Saturn-Eh!'s Photos	clarification - behind the rear ashtray... and yes, do not over-adjust - the brake should hold the car at 5-7 clicks, and release fully with no drag.

01-22-2004, 01:28 AM	#6
JDub99SL2 Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: CA Posts: 823 JDub99SL2's Photos 1999 SL2	Got it adjusted. It's a firm pull to engage it, but I've got big 'ol German arms. LOL, jk. It seems to be fine.

01-22-2004, 09:17 AM	#7
Saturn-Eh! Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The Great White North Posts: 1,715 Saturn-Eh!'s Photos	as long as it releases fully (no drag) you should be good to go. Had a number of people with weak arms complain that the e-brake is too hard to engage on Saturns. I told them it was the Saturn bicep fitness machine.

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