1998 Camaro E-brake - Left side not working - Please help
#1
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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.
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.
#4
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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.
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.
Last edited by Camaro3800V6; 07-06-2013 at 08:48 AM.
#6
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Wow really? So the OP parks on a hill and the park brake fails -- real good.
No, fix the problem.
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#8
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Yeah Chaotic, better keep your car out of San Francisco! ![Wink](https://camaroforums.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif)
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.
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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.