How to Adjust a Parking Brake on a 2001 GMC Savana

The parking brake takes the strain off the 2002 GMC Savana's transmission while the van is in park. The parking brake can be used as a backup brake in the event of a failure of the main braking system--this is why parking brakes are sometimes called emergency brakes. Over the course of time an automobile's parking brake cables tend to stretch out and need to be adjusted tighter in order for the parking brake to function properly. You can make the adjustment yourself from home using a few tools you can purchase from an auto parts store. If you normally do your own repairs, you probably already own these tools.

Instructions

1

Lift up on the parking brake handle five clicks.

2

Put two wheel chocks in front of the two front wheels and two wheel chocks behind the front wheels. Put the jack under the rear of the vehicle and raise the Savana high enough to slide jack stands under the frame rail on either side of the rear of the van. Lower the Savana onto the jack stands using the jack.

3

Find the adjustment nut on the parking brake cable under the Savana.

4

Use a wrench to tighten the adjustment nut. Test the adjustment by spinning the left rear wheel in a backward motion. If it takes both hands to spin it backward and it locks when you try to spin it forward, then you have adjusted it correctly.

5

Disengage the emergency brake and spin each of the rear wheels. They should spin easily without any drag.

6

Raise the vehicle with the jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the wheel chocks.