08-10 SS Turbocharged General Discussion Discuss the 2008 - 2009 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbocharged. On sale since the second quarter of 2008.

parking brake problem

Old 03-14-2012, 01:12 PM
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parking brake problem

My e brake (parking brake) are not fully stopping my car when its parked on a small slope or hill yeah I leave the car in gear but I'm just wondering why its happening all of a sudden 2 days ago, pull the ebrake up and there is almost no resistance (small amount) rear rotors are only 10k old same with rear pads. pins are lubed just lubed them.. maybe there is a adjustment ? any help would be appreciated

thanks b
Old 03-14-2012, 01:16 PM
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IF you remove the center console around the ebrake, then remove the ebrake handle. There is an adjustment there for the ebrake. 10 mm wrench will do it. Just make sure you do not tighten it too much as the rear calipers will drag and prematurely wear out.
Old 03-14-2012, 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by nikemax21
IF you remove the center console around the ebrake, then remove the ebrake handle. There is an adjustment there for the ebrake. 10 mm wrench will do it. Just make sure you do not tighten it too much as the rear calipers will drag and prematurely wear out.
thank you sir going to give it a try
Old 03-14-2012, 02:34 PM
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How'd it go, bspeed?

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Old 03-15-2012, 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by nikemax21
IF you remove the center console around the ebrake, then remove the ebrake handle. There is an adjustment there for the ebrake. 10 mm wrench will do it. Just make sure you do not tighten it too much as the rear calipers will drag and prematurely wear out.
Actually don't do this... Its not a permanent fix. This problem will just keep happening over and over until you run out adjustment on the cable.

I had the same issue with my e-brake. I removed the rear calipers and fully compressed the caliper pistons using the proper tool. Pumped the brakes back up after reinstallation and its good.

Now its back to three clicks on the e-brake handle and the car is locked in place on a grade.
Old 03-15-2012, 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Malaclypse
Actually don't do this... Its not a permanent fix. This problem will just keep happening over and over until you run out adjustment on the cable.
yeah he's right. my e-brake wasnt holdin up either so i took it to the dealer about a month ago and they tightened it. and then a few days ago it started not holdin up again. so now my car is in the shop right now with multiple brake problems... e-brake just bein one of them. ill let u know wut they did to it this time
Old 03-16-2012, 11:04 PM
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This happend to me shortly after I got the car. It was a bad rear caliper.

I found out about the brake not holding when I jacked up the car to do something to the front brakes (don't remember what). The car fell off the jackstand, thankfully I wasnt under it - although if I was going to be under it there would be wheel chocks.
Old 03-17-2012, 12:30 AM
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just got my car back from the dealer. said it needs new rachet assembly
Old 03-17-2012, 08:33 PM
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I was told that there is a recall for the ebrake. Haven't taken it in yet but, my buddy took his in and he told me they replaced his rear calibers
Old 03-19-2012, 12:52 AM
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i havent heard anything about that recall, but mine is all warrenty work anyways
Old 03-19-2012, 12:41 PM
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As always, if I can look into any vehicle's information to check for any open recall(s), please send me a private message with the last 8 of your VIN and I'd be happy to do so!

Best,
Sarah
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Old 05-27-2012, 11:37 PM
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Similar to the OP problem, my e-brake is only locking one wheel. It is enough to stop the car, but I would like it to be back to normal. Any suggestions? I tried tightening the cable, but it didn't remedy the problem.
Old 05-28-2012, 06:42 AM
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'Bout time they had to do something about these shitty rear calipers.
Old 05-28-2012, 06:45 AM
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Just carry a couple of bricks in your trunk.
Old 05-28-2012, 07:06 AM
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Im taking mine in for the same problem in the morning tomorrow
Old 05-29-2012, 02:24 PM
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mongorat427,
I hope that your appointment today went well! If I can follow up with your dealership, please let me know.
Best,
Sarah
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Old 05-30-2012, 08:14 PM
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Both calipers need replaced. The parking brake actuators are froze . Techs pulled the Ebrake handle while the car was on the rack. We could see the cams move all the way but no caliper movement. Rotors look like new also w 2000 miles on them R1 Concepts
Old 06-01-2012, 07:23 PM
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So I'm assuming you have to pay or is it a new recall ?? Cause every dealer I go to think I'm full of crap an don't even want to listen what I have to say I re adjusted my parking breaks back to how they were stock and now they work fine idk...
Old 06-11-2012, 12:55 PM
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Ok heres what was wrong. Same problem as everyone else. Tech put the car on the rack and had the lot boy pull the brake handle. Cables moved like they were supposed to and the cam looking things both moved all the way on the caliper but no movement out of either caliper. They put 2 new calipers on ,bled the brakes an adjusted the handle and its like new. Hope this helps. All under warranty. Safety related issue if they give you any crapo
Old 06-11-2012, 01:26 PM
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I actually brought mine in last Friday for the park brake, and the dealer told he there was a service bulletin out for the parking brake and the rear calipers. Guess that's good to know.
Old 06-11-2012, 01:31 PM
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pull the center console up and check to see both cables are attatched still.......they have been known to come off.
good luck
Old 06-11-2012, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by ColeMart
I actually brought mine in last Friday for the park brake, and the dealer told he there was a service bulletin out for the parking brake and the rear calipers. Guess that's good to know.
Ha about time
Old 06-14-2012, 09:30 AM
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Is there anyway to get a copy of that service bulletin?
Old 06-28-2012, 06:10 PM
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same exact problem took it to firestone today the guy told me it was a bad left rear caliper to take it to the dealership and ill be doing that next week.
Old 07-03-2012, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by victoryredturbalt
pull the center console up and check to see both cables are attatched still.......they have been known to come off.
good luck
I had one come off on mine too. I just checked today. Descided to try to adjust mine. I think I have mine adjuste with the nut all the way down on the screw part and its still a little loose.

I started havving issues after I replaced my rear brake pads. The Service manual tells me I have to take apart more then what I really do. Not sure why. When I replaced my pads, I got the special tool and turned the pistons back in like your suposed to.

Some one mentioned that tightening that lil nut isnt the best way to adjust but instead to turn the caliper pistons in. Also one of my cables (Right rear) is abit longer then my other one. I think the cables may have been streached some? I dono...

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