Parking brake doesn't hold

steve99 · April 8, 2004

Does anyone know what fixing a parking brake involves. My truck failed inspection because when you push the parking brake all the way to the floor it doesn't hold a bit, the truck easily rolls off. I checked to make sure nothing was broken or that the cables were still in tact and everything seems ok. Looks like it needs to be tightend up somehow. 99 sierra new body style ext cab 2wd

any ideas

thanks

tmf6902 · April 8, 2004

LOL....my parking brake doesn't hold my truck either....took it in underwarrenty to get it adjusted.....they said it was unadjustable...LMFAO....if that's true....only GM would make sure a smart device.

Mega Dogmeat · April 8, 2004

Mine broke, they told me it was because it was a (yet another) defective device from GM... that it didn't unlatch all the way, and then when you drove on it, it'd effectivley wear the parking brake shoes down to nothing.

$175 to get it fixed

RyanZ71 · April 9, 2004

had to have new Parking brake pads and caliper put on my 99 Silverado, they wear out fast. cost around $200

Kevin zellweger · April 9, 2004

I had the same problem but not anymore i fixed it myself, 1st get a manual haynes is a good start helms is much better though. make sure you have a 18mm wrench and a snipe.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

88936340

Spring Clip, Parking Brake Retainer Kit (S/T Models)

1

88982879

Spring Clip, Parking Brake Retainer Kit (C/K, M/L Models)

1

88935962

Spring Clip, Parking Brake Retainer Kit (G Van Models)

1

the parke brake shoe retaining clip needs to be replaced GM didn't make it big enough, this is from a tsb someone posted on GM-Trucks.

make sure you use jackstands, take the back wheels off then take the 18mm wrench and snipe and remove the caliper mounting bolts they are on the back side of the disc. reason for the snipe, they are on there pretty good about 140ftlbs. remove the disc and there is the parking brake, check for wear and remove old clip and install new clip.

that is it make sure you follow the instructions that the clips come with and the manual.

to bad this fix only works for a little while, my brakes stopped working again because i forgot to readjust the adjustment screw.

tighten up the shoe and check so the drum just about touches and then try the foot pedal.

I can only push mine half way now so and they lock up the tires at 30kms on gravel also i can't even move the truck in drive i haven't gone above 1400rpm though and i won't for obvious reasons.

hope this works for you it is nice to have them wotking again. and as a side note your cables if your truck is anything like mine for some reason they had both cables tightened to there full limit from the factory i thought it was for adjustment .

willfxp · April 9, 2004

I had the same problem but not anymore i fixed it myself, 1st get a manual haynes is a good start helms is much better though. make sure you have a 18mm wrench and a snipe.

Sorry to ask, but what's a "snipe"?

Kevin zellweger · April 9, 2004

I had the same problem but not anymore i fixed it myself, 1st get a manual haynes is a good start helms is much better though. make sure you have a 18mm wrench and a snipe.

Sorry to ask, but what's a "snipe"?

not a technical defintion but a snipe is a peice of pipe or a bar of some sort that adds length to the wrench so turning the bolt is a lot easier, basically more leverage.

deceive · April 12, 2004

Could you tell me where to find that TSB, or post it here?

thanks

nathan

JamesB · April 12, 2004

not a technical defintion but a snipe is a peice of pipe or a bar of some sort that adds length to the wrench so turning the bolt is a lot easier, basically more leverage.

Ah yes... A cheater bar... A must in every toolbox...

James.

GnatGoSplat · April 12, 2004

Will an impact wrench fit on those bolts? Is there enough room?

If new spring clips is all I need to do to fix mine, I should probably go ahead and do it. My park brake hasn't worked as long as I've owned the truck.

Kevin zellweger · April 14, 2004

Could you tell me where to find that TSB, or post it here?

I wish i could give you the whole thing but somebody else actually posted it here but here it is.

A rear parking brake retaining spring clip kit has been released for service. This kit consists of two parking brake hold down spring clips (2) and bolts (3).

Notice

Use J 46277 Rotor Removal Tool with J 6125-B Slide Hammer to remove the rotor from the vehicle. Place J 46277 between the rotor surfaces in the vent section of the rotor. DO NOT place J 46277 on the back side of the rotor surface, it may damage the rotor surface.

During rear brake rotor removal, it is possible to damage the parking brake shoe retaining spring clip. Order this new kit when replacement of the clips is required but the parking brake shoes do not require replacement.

Important

The spring clip kits mentioned in this bulletin do not address any parking brake concerns. Refer to the Parking Brakes sub-section of the Service Manual for any diagnostic information.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

88936340

Spring Clip, Parking Brake Retainer Kit (S/T Models)

1

88982879

Spring Clip, Parking Brake Retainer Kit (C/K, M/L Models)

1

88935962

Spring Clip, Parking Brake Retainer Kit (G Van Models)

1

Parts are expected to be available October 4, 2002 from GMSPO.

Warranty Information

When removal of the rear brake rotors results in damage to the spring clips on vehicles under warranty, use the following labor operation in conjunction with one of the kit part numbers listed above.

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

H2956

Parking Brake Shoe Retaining Clip - Replace

0.7 hr

Add

To Sand or Grind DIH (ONE SIDE)

0.2 hr

Add

To Sand or Grind DIH (BOTH SIDES)

0.3 hr

Add

To Sand Brake Shoes (ONE OR BOTH SIDES)

0.1 hr

Will an impact wrench fit on those bolts? Is there enough room?

If new spring clips is all I need to do to fix mine, I should probably go ahead and do it. My park brake hasn't worked as long as I've owned the truck.

an impact may fit there is a bit of room back there but be prepared with an 18mm wrench and a "snipe" just in case, i wouldn't use a socket wrench as it may fall of the bolt, you need a lot of power to get it off the first time there was about 3/4 of and inch of yellow lock tight on mine so it was tough.

also GnatGoSplat, make sure to adjust the star adjuster to save some time later. otherwise it will feel tight for the first couple times and then it does the same thing.

Hope this all helps and let me know how it goes.