You are assuming too much that people actually remember to do that...

 

Unfortunately, all of the hole-in-the-wall shops stopped the "easy" inspections when NYS went to those computers that relay info to Albany. The place that failed my car used to be lax on E-brakes if all else was good, but recently got fined by an inspector who caught them not pulling off a wheel during a safety inspection. So yeah, now everyone goes under the microscope down there.

Where can I buy a new park brake actuator? Advance Auto and Rock Auto have no listings for it. It looks like an easy job...if I can just find the replacement part.

 

^ Look up the part # here:
Welcome to the part locator

Call your local GM shop parts desk to get the part #...

Might want to ask that same shop that failed you what they'd charge to fix it. But it sure looks simple enough to do yourself. Might want to replace those dust boots too if they're worn.

 

Just an update...took everything apart and found out that the genius at the first shop evidently dropped the little rod that goes in the actuator while he was screwing around with the mechanism. Grease was clean and still dimpled where the rod was supposed to be. So, I ended up machining a new one on the bench grinder and now it works. The next day, I took it to a different shop where the guys are real mechanics and were careful with things. Car passed and is now legally cruising again.

 

Glad you resolved it. You might also want to check your ebrake dust boot integrity where the cables enter from the rear. Mine are shot/ripped and are being replaced.