Topic: parking brake adjustment
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Former Member
Send PM
prescott, AZ - USA
Joined: 2/9/2011
Posts: 16
Vette(s): 1977 corvette, 95% restored. ZZ4 engine with tuned exhaust. T10 4 speed.
Hi guys,
I'm new here, i just have my 77 c3 about 2 weeks and just sent off for the shop manuals.
My parking brake does not hold, it just pulls all the way up. How do i adjust it and where is a safe
place to place my jack?
thanks
Paul
Paul
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Welcome aboard Paul and CONGRATS on your "new toy"...!!!
There are many opinions on where to lift a car but what works for me is first lifting the front by using the front crossmember under the engine. I place the jack stands under the frame rails between the front door jamb and the front fender opening OR under the lower control arm where the shock absorber attaches. Then I lift the rear of the car using the differential and place the jack stands under the frame rails ahead of the rear axle.
If the parking brake setup is like what is on my '70 the adjustment is pretty straight forward. There is an adjustment bracket where the wire yoke from both rear wheels meets the wire coming from the parking brake lever. That's the easy one.
It is possible that all of the parking brake parts are all rusted up inside the rear rotors. That is whole bunch of fun - not terribly difficult but does involve some time.
Shop manuals or an assembly manual will be good reference and guidance things to have.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Former Member
Send PM
prescott, AZ - USA
Joined: 2/9/2011
Posts: 16
Vette(s): 1977 corvette, 95% restored. ZZ4 engine with tuned exhaust. T10 4 speed.
thanks for the quick reply Jim. My vette was fully restored about 8 years ago by a mechanic for his
personal use. It's in pretty good shape but does need a few things done. I'm 64 and this is my first
vette, like the song says " i'm so excited" 
Paul
adjust brake shoes through hole in rotor using screwdriver to turn starwheel adjuster screw, (both adjusters and right hand thread) by turning rotor by hand occasionally until parking brake shoes are tight against parking drum on both sides. To adjust properly, turn back each side 8 to 10 notches, and turn rotor by hand until rotor turns free before reinstalling caliper.
Here is the adj for the cable
Welcome to the club..you say 64 going on 29 right! Sounds like you got a great car..hopefully you can just tighten up the cable a little bit and be done! The reason why it is good to lift the car from the center as suggested is so things on the body don't flex as much and create cracks..and doors bind and hood and such..if I plan to lift up the car I do pop the hood up even if I am not doing anything under there..even on a lift it can bind in there..
Rich
Rich
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Former Member
Send PM
prescott, AZ - USA
Joined: 2/9/2011
Posts: 16
Vette(s): 1977 corvette, 95% restored. ZZ4 engine with tuned exhaust. T10 4 speed.
again, thank you guys for the help and the welcome. Also thanks for explaning why i should jack up the car like that. I'm going to like it here.
Paul
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Welcome aboard Paul!! We have 2 things in common already!!
Paul
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
God Bless America
Support Our Troops 
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)