Emergency brake adjustment

2008 CHEVROLET COBALT
145,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL
Avatar
BOSTONBOATSWAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
Failed car inspection for Emergency Brake not working (it passed last year). Hurricane kicked our buts so no money for shop. I know almost nothing about e-brake, in ten years I have never even used it. Hoping it is fairly easy and can do it myself. Rear brakes are drum. Not sure if regular brakes affect emergency brake, but, when stopping, brake pedal goes low, but, pumps up on next tap.

Any help walking thru this will be enormously appreciated.
Dec 7, 2018 at 2:46 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
Advertisement
Avatar
DANNY L
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again,

Yes, the rear drum brakes are also used as the emergency brake. I would suggest adjusting the rear brakes as tight as possible to see if that tightens the emergency brake. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
Dec 9, 2018 at 4:56 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
BOSTONBOATSWAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 45 POSTS
Just a quick update. You were on point! Shoes were okay, just needed to be cleaned up and adjusted.

Thank you!
Diane P.
Jan 16, 2019 at 5:49 PM
Avatar
DANNY L
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 5,648 POSTS
You're welcome !
Glad to help and thanks again for using 2CarPros.Please use us again in the future if anything arises.
Danny-
Jan 16, 2019 at 7:09 PM