Parking brake cable tension

Schmidty72 · August 31, 2013

Could use a hand, because I think I'm missing something. I replaced the parking break assembly (wouldn't hold down when depressed, but brake worked otherwise). That job is done (though some other collateral damage occurred which I'll be posting about also).

The cable now has too much slack in it to engage the brake. I thought the assembly would autoadjust after depressing it a couple times, but it has not. There is no adjuster at the end of the cable where it goes from a single line to the double. Am I correct that the brake assembly should auto-adjust? If so, should I be dong something specific to make this happen? If not, I'm going to order an adjustable cable, but I'm hoping I'm just missing something.

Thanks for your help.

I can post pics and more description if needed.

2006 GMC Sierra, ext cab

5.3L v8

bossier62guy · August 31, 2013

I found this for an 05....not sure if you have disc/drum rear brakes though or if it is even applicable to an 06.

PBAdj.pdf

Schmidty72 · August 31, 2013

bossier62guy,

Thanks for the reply. Same system, and yes I have drum brakes (sorry for not mentioning that). What you sent was a bit more clear than what I think I've read already and didn't get (so thanks). But, there is something about this I still can't get my head around...

What is the "adjuster" in this case? Is the adjuster on the end of the cable (screw end on the cable)? I don't have that (and I think that's where I'm getting confused). When I took a look at the old assembly, there wasn't in there anything that seemed to take up the slack on it's own.

Sorry if this is all simple, it's been a long day and while going back a third time and looking at the old unit, I think it's possible all I needed was a release cable and nothing more, plus the new unit doesn't quite fit right - so focus right now isn't happening (and I'm obviously going to take a break until tomorrow).

Basically, I think I need to buy and install this:

http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-C660214-Parking-Brake-Cable/dp/B001C9THB6/ref=au_pf_ss_4?ie=UTF8&Make=GMC%7C48&Model=Sierra%201500%7C548&Year=2006%7C2006&carId=002&n=15684181&s=automotive

I do not have the screw adjuster at the end of cable on my truck. If that is the only adjuster, I think I got it.

Cheers,

Schmidty

bossier62guy · September 1, 2013

I wish I could give you more info but my 02 has rear disc and it's an entirely different process.

Bob D · September 1, 2013

I suspect your replaced parking brake assy. may require "Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Enabling" per bossier62guy's post.

Schmidty72 · September 1, 2013

Without sounding like a moron (which very much feel like at this point), can you explain what, "Parking Brake Cable Adjuster Enabling" means in plain language? Is this:

1. Something to do with pumping the parking brake pedal over and over again to take up slack?

2. Is this tightening the nut at the coupling where the intermediate (single) parking brake cable connects to the 2 cables?

3. Is this something done at the drum brakes to the parking brake shoes?

4. Something else?

I just want to be sure I don't spend more money on parts I don't need and do something more stupid than I've done already. I swear, I am mechanically inclined and work on my own cars often doing more than just oil changes and brake jobs...for some reason, I just can't figure this one out. Thanks (and sorry).