Parking Brake Overview
This article pertains to the type of parking brake system that utilizes the rear service brakes to hold the vehicle in position and is operated using the parking brake lever.
The inspection and adjustment procedures are almost the same for vehicles with rear drumbrakes or vehicles with rear disc brakes.
Check the parking brake lever stroke in accordance with the shop manual. If the measurement exceeds the specified value, rectify the stroke by turning the adjusting nut. When adjustment is complete, check that the parking brake performs correctly and does not drag.
Checking Parking Brake Performance
By way of example, the total parking brake force (the sum of the left and right wheel brake forces) must be at least 200 kg on a vehicle with a GVM of 1,000 kg.
Even if the total brake force is lower than the aforementioned minimum, the parking brake may be deemed acceptable if it keeps the wheels locked on the parking brake tester.
If a parking brake tester is not available, park the vehicle on a 20% incline (an incline on which the height increases by 1 m for every horizontal movement of 5 m). The parking brake may be deemed acceptable if it holds the vehicle in position.