How to adjust parking brake?
 

Hi, I have a 97 Civic LX 5 Speed.

My question is, the 'button' that you press in when lifting up to disengage the parking brake has gone deeper and deeper into the lever to the point where I have to use my index finger to push it in. How can I readjust it to make it stick out further?

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Start by checking whether the rear pads are worn and need replacing or whether the self adjust mechanism (clevis A,B and adjuster bolt) is seized up.


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Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Thanks for the reply, I actually changed the rear brakes about 2-3 months ago, everything seemed fine.

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Does the self adjust mechanism in both wheels turn freely?

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

They did at the time I did it.

Will turning the nut that is on the cable in the center console do anything to solve this problem?

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

I replaced the shoes on the back of my hx couple months ago and had to turn the adjuster nut under the console to adjust the brakes... never heard of the e-brake button messing up but pull the console off and check everything out, sounds like something has failed inside of it.

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Thanks, I'll see about trying this over the weekend when I have some time. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yeah I am worried that it could be something internal.

Just out of curiosity because I would like to look at it to at least get a better idea of how all the parts work, can someone please tell me how to remove the actually parking brake lever?

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Is it necessary to jack up the car? Can you just tighten it without doing that (skipping step 1 and 2). I knew my ebrake had gotten a lot of slack, but I counted 15 clicks.. 6-9 is correct? Haha..oops!

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

RonJ@HT? Help! Can I just adjust the adjusting nuts without it being jacked up and messing with the calipers?

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Just park somewhere flat, put it in park or 1st gear, leave the brake released and tighten the nut. simple as that!

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Well what's all this about having to make sure that the caliper is touching and shit like that? And just adjust it till it tightens in 6-9 clicks?

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

You need the rear end raised so that, after adjusting the parking brake cable, you are able to verify that the rear brakes don't drag when the parking brake is fully released.

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Don't go all crazy tightening it. you can check your progress easily by just pulling up on the brake every turn or so

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Gotcha, thanks!

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

I know this is an old thread, but I just found a solution to this that I thought I'd share. If the e-brake button is hiding inside the e-brake lever, it could because the plastic handle has crept up on the metal lever housing. Sounds like this is a fairly common occurrence with these cars.

To fix, simply get a rubber mallet or something and tap the plastic handle back down onto the lever. No brake work required, and you don't even have to remove the console. I hope this helps someone out there. I personally am stoked i get to do bootleg turns again on those snowy days! yee-haw.

--scotto

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Gotta have that e-brake for snowy days!!

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

Remove the Handle, and there will be a spring (There was one on mine) its probably stuck, just pull that out! Oh and its the outer casing outside the button that is being pushed forward. Try pulling that back

Re: How to adjust parking brake?
 

This happened to mine. I just grabbed onto the e brake handle and pulled backwards(with a good amount of force) and it slid right back into place. I also thought something was wrong until I just started messing with it.