Parking Brake System: Description and Operation

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The park brake must be adjusted any time the park brake cables are replaced, disconnected, or the park brake holding ability is inadequate.

The park brake system consists of a pedal/lever assembly, a series of cables, actuator levers, an equalizer, and a release cable.

The park brake is not designed for use in place of service brakes. It should be applied only after the vehicle comes to a complete stop, except in an emergency.

Before working on the park brake system, make sure the service brakes are in good working order and adjusted properly.

LEVER
The park brake lever is located on the left side of the driver's compartment and is activated by foot pressure. The lever assembly has a clutch mechanism to allow varying degrees of park brake application. The park brake release handle on the instrument panel allows the driver to release the park brake.

CABLE SYSTEM
The park brake uses a cable system that includes one front cable and two rear cables. The front cable connects to the lever on one end and the left rear cable on the other end. The left rear cable attaches to the front cable on one end, runs through and clips to the equalizer, and connects to the park brake strut in the left rear drum on the other end. The right rear cable attaches to the equalizer on one end and the park brake strut in the right rear drum on the other end.

This vehicle is equipped with coated park brake assemblies. The wire strand is coated with a nylon material that slides over plastic seals inside the conduit end fittings. This is for corrosion protection and reduced park brake effort. The cables are permanently lubricated and do not require any periodic lubrication.

Notice: Handling of the park brake cables during service requires extra care. Damage to the nylon coating reduces the corrosion protection. If the damaged area passes through the seal, increased park brake effort could result. Avoid contacting the coating with sharp-edged tools, or the sharp surfaces of the vehicle underbody.

BRAKE LAMP
The BRAKE warning lamp on the instrument cluster turns on when the park brake is applied. The BRAKE lamp can also be turned on by the switch in the combination valve and the antilock brake system.

PARK BRAKE SWITCH
The park brake switch is located on the lever assembly. The switch serves as the device to turn on the BRAKE lamp when the park brake is applied and turn it off when the ignition switch is ON and the park brake is applied.

DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS
The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system uses the park brake switch to turn the headlamps off when the ignition switch is ON and the park brake is applied.