I have a 1996 EX with 4 wheel disk brakes. Where do I adjust the parking brake cable? I popped the rear wheels off and found the linkage there but wasnt sure what to put a wrench on or which way to turn. I did slightly adjust the linkage under the arm rest, but that didn't do anything at all.

Any advice here? As it sits now I can feel it biting a little bit but not enough to hold the car in place even on the slightest incline.

Thanks!

 

After you adjusted the Parking Brake handle, did you exercise it?
While keeping your foot on the brake, pull the handle up and release the pedal.
Do this a few times, the rear calipers have a ratcheting mechanism inside the caliper itself to take up any excessive clearance. If the Parking Brake was never used or rarely used, the adjusters can seize or not ratchet.

 

no joy, but thanks for the suggestion

anyone else have any ideas?

 

Did you adjust the cable from the lever inside the interior?

 

I did, but that didnt do anything. Making me think that there's an issue inside the caliper, but I'm not sure how to check that.

 

With cars that use the caliper piston as the parking brake, there can be issues. The biggest problem is owner/operators of such cars tend NOT to use the parking/emergency brake. Same persons tend not to flush their brake fluid either. Result. Old fluid and the never used PB cause the mechanism inside the calipers to seize. The only fix is replacement of the caliper pistons either through a rebuild or purchase of reman'd units.

 

I've had the car for about a month, it's been sitting in the garage while I do some minor t-ups getting it ready for sale. My brother had it before me, so I'm pretty sure he used the parking brake fairly often since it's a straight drive. He's not around to ask how the parking brake was before, so I guess I might be forced to take it to a mechanic to get it repaired. Wish I had the time to do the rears myself, but thats how it goes sometimes. Thanks for everyone's input!
Scott

 

How 'slightly' did you adjust it?
The adjustment in the '95 EX was off, I think the PO had it serviced but whatever Munchkin was in there never re adjusted the cables. I screwed in the adjustment nut over an inch and the PB handle was still more than seven clicks. IIRC its a fine threaded rod, so unless you removed the arm rest bracket out of the way it will take a while to ratchet up the Parking Brake.

What exactly is wrong with the brakes that you feel its out of adjustment?

 

I ratcheted up that nut on the threaded rod behind the parking brake till it was fully compressed and still got the same results... the car doesn't hold no matter where it's adjusted to. I backed it all the way off and it still doesnt hold. Quite frustrating.

 

How close are the pads to the rotors on the rear? Albeit there is either a gap, or the parking brake lever on the calipers is pulled all the way but not retracting when the PB is released, and not adjusting.
Verify that the levers on the calipers move when the hand brake is applied. If they are not moving, try excersizing them yourself by hand. They may not fully rotate but they should move somewhat. PB blaster may be what you need on the levers to break them free. I can't recall but I believe the rear calipers should have springs on the levers forcing theme back from the cable housing when the brakes are released. I'll check the '95EX in a moment to verify if there are.