I recently purchased a 96 firebird. Everything functions how it should except for the parking brake. Originally I thought it was just because it needed tightening, but I've read around a few of the f-body forums, and have found that the 93-97 cars have an odd system thats supposed to take up slack in the cables automatically... I haven't found much in the way of how to actually repair this if it isn't functioning.

My question is, 1. Should I bother trying to fix it? Or is it easier to swap to the later 98-02 style? and 2. If I should try and fix it, what areas should I pay attention to, and what is the best way to do so? I'm used to a basic cable to rotor drum parking brake system, and don't have any previous experience with something like this which functions at the caliper and self tightens.

Thanks!

 

MUCH easier to just fix it, the 98-02 design is much different.

The 93-97 parking brake system is pretty simple in function, there's not much to adjust. First confirm that you don't have any broken or disconnected e-brake cables. Also make sure your rear pads have enough meat on them to actually hold the rear wheels. The only adjustment is in the parking lever free-travel on the calipers, which GM has a procedure for. It is hosted graciously by Shoebox, along with many other LT1-specific articles.

http://shbox.com/1/adjparkingbrake.jpg