How to adjust parking brake?

[2007430]

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?

[RonJ@HT]

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.

[2007430]

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

[RonJ@HT]

Originally Posted by 2007430

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

Does the self adjust mechanism in both wheels turn freely?

[2007430]

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?

[RonJ@HT]

[Kista20]

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.

[2007430]

Originally Posted by RonJ@HT

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

Originally Posted by Kista20

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.

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?

[EKCoupeKid98]

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!

[EKCoupeKid98]

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

[worlds-slowest-EG]

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

[EKCoupeKid98]

Originally Posted by worlds-slowest-EG

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

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

[RonJ@HT]

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.

[worlds-slowest-EG]

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

[EKCoupeKid98]

Originally Posted by RonJ@HT

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.

Gotcha, thanks!

[scottmotron]

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

[ddaniels750]

Gotta have that e-brake for snowy days!!

[Pancho2193]

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

[alphalanos]

Originally Posted by scottmotron

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

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.