Chevy Malibu parking brake is almost useless. First steps?
We just got a 2005 Malibu. It's in generally great condition, but the parking
brake is nearly useless. I stopped on our hill, put it in neutral, put on the
parking brake, and slowly released the brake pedal. It felt like it was barely
slowed by the parking brake; in short, it's too weak to be useful.
So, where should I start? My understanding is that this is a cable-actuated
brake. Is tightening the cable a good starting point? If so, how? My
experience level is pretty modest. I've replaced brake pads and done other
basic maintenance. Thank you.
I don't know if this info will help or not? With the vehicle parked on level ground, set the parking brake. raise rear tire, can you move tire easily, forward or backward, if not, that's probably the best your going to get. If parking up hill, let the rear of front tires touch the curb then put in park and set parking brake. I suppose you could use wheel chocks, if you would feel safer. I don't know if your parking brake hardware is in good shape?
Replace the pads/shoes and check for an adjustment in the cable.
It will hold your vehicle provided the shoes or pads are still OK and the brake cable is adjusted properly which you can do yourself by looking at one of the numerous You Tube videos our there on the web.
Im a female and i learned quickly that sometimes when you ask the right question you dont always get the right answer…you can get a "service manual" for your 2005 Malibu from here.https://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/280393674-2005-chevrolet-malibu-service-and- repair-manual That should be your first step in finding and fixing your car….
