Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

The parking brake system, which is completely independent of the service brakes, is subjected to only a minimum amount of wear since the parking brake is not applied in normal operating conditions. Consequently there is reduction of friction torque, e.g. from corrosion of brake drums or contamination of liners.

The operating forces which have to be applied increase to the same extent. To have optimal effect from the parking brake it will normally be sufficient, to drive the car max. 400 meters (1300 feet) from parking lot to workplace with the parking brake lever pulled up until resistance is felt and then one catch further prior to adjusting the parking brake.