I've got a 1998 Camaro with the 3.8, auto trans, and rear disc brakes. The E-brake setup on this model has that one-piece horseshoe shaped e-brake shoe at the wheel with what looks like a miniature wheel cylinder that is mechanically actuated.

The problem I'm having is that my car failed inspection because the parking brake/E-brake wouldn't hold. Mechanic said it was because the front cable was stretched. Well, I get it home, changed the cable, and it's no better than before. When I started troubleshooting at the rear wheels, I found that the driver's side "wheel cylinder" for the E-brake isn't doing anything when the E-brake shoe assembly is installed. The little brake arm that the cable attaches to swings just fine (although far easier by hand than the passenger side). I just don't get why the cylinder isn't pushing out on the brake shoe if the arm is working when pulled by the cable. Has anyone ever had to repair one of these before? Rebuilt with new hardware?

The Chilton's manual for this car is a joke--no info about the e-brake setup other than the cables.

 

Go down to the manuals section on this forum and download the GM manual.

 

You must need to just replace the park brake actuator assembly -- there is not much to it... two bolts hold it on.

Are you sure the park brake shoe(s) are still good?

 

Thanks for the replies!

I'll try downloading the GM manual. As far as the park brake actuator assembly, I'm having a hard time finding a retailer that sells them. Rock Auto of all places turned up empty. Any suggestions other than dealer or salvage yard (salvage yards around my area are sparse on 98+ model year F-bodies)?

As far as the shoes, yes--still good. The actuator isn't moving them.

 

My car has never had a hand brake since I've owned it (4 years) and its always passed inspections... Have a "hole in the wall" shop do your inspection.

 

Wow really? So the OP parks on a hill and the park brake fails -- real good. No, fix the problem.

 

Park it in gear

 

Yeah Chaotic, better keep your car out of San Francisco!
If you park the car on a hill with a curbed street, you don't need a brake if you park it like they (should have) taught you in drivers ed.
Still, I'd rather have one that works.

 

Wow, by that logic there is never a need for a park brake -- those silly OEMs over engineering vehicles!

 

Up hill = wheels to the left
Down hill = wheels to the right

Problem solved. Park the car in gear. And use the above while parking on hills.

Any other questions?