Loose Parking Brake On 00 Rx300

[ShirleySerious]

The parking brake on my '00 RX300 has become rather loose. Pushing it down requires almost no effort and puts up no resistance. Needless to say, it doesn't hold the car. When I release the parking brake and drive around, it makes a squealing noise, like the brake is still dragging. It goes away after a while. Anyone else have this problem?

[jgr7]

You need to get it fixed before it becomes an expensive fix.

Jeff

[RX in NC]

You probably need a parking brake cable adjustment. Not uncommon for a 9-year-old vehicle. As jgr7 pointed out, get it resolved now before that cable snaps and a $50 adjustment turns into a $500 repair. Don't go to the dealer - any brake specialist shop can do this cheaper, faster, and better than your dealer will....

[ShirleySerious]

You probably need a parking brake cable adjustment. Not uncommon for a 9-year-old vehicle. As jgr7 pointed out, get it resolved now before that cable snaps and a $50 adjustment turns into a $500 repair. Don't go to the dealer - any brake specialist shop can do this cheaper, faster, and better than your dealer will....

As far as doing it myself, how would I manage that?

[RX in NC]

That depends on how the cable is routed from the cockpit to the rear brakes. Never done one on an RX so I can't be of much help here. However, to do it right you're probably going to have to elevate the vehicle on a hydraulic lift....

My buddy (he's a retired GM factory tool & die mechanic) and I did a cable replacement on his Ford Expedition a few years back. The ground clearance was enough that we didn't have to elevate the Expedition. But it was a hell of a job - took us half a day to get the old cable removed and the new cable properly routed and adjusted. Keep in mind that he spent more than 25 years in a GM factory in New Jersey so he has vast experience in this type of job. If you decide to tackle this yourself, find a buddy who knows braking systems very well. You'll be glad you did....

[carguy07]

Attachment page 8, as long as the locknut and turnbuckle break loose it's a 10 minute job. If the turnbuckle is stuck try the other adjustment nut. A jack would make it easier, but not necessary. Just don't over tighten it or the shoes will drag. And no you don't need someone who knows brake systems very well. Just some beer, vice grips and some open end wrenches.

Brake__BR__file.pdf

[rsvedin]

Attachment page 8, as long as the locknut and turnbuckle break loose it's a 10 minute job. If the turnbuckle is stuck try the other adjustment nut. A jack would make it easier, but not necessary. Just don't over tighten it or the shoes will drag. And no you don't need someone who knows brake systems very well. Just some beer, vice grips and some open end wrenches.

Thanks for the PDF! I used it to change out my parking brakes. After I had everything disconnected I realized that my parking brake cable has seized. What's the best way to remove a seized cable?

Thanks again!

[tmastres]

Ditto on the thanks for the pdf, seems pretty straightforward, I've been wanting to tighten mine up as well, Thanks!

[lenore]

I would get some PB Blaster and spray the cable where it goes through the tubes and see if it frees up...YOur location probably is not friendly to cables with the snow and salt on the roads....

[rsvedin]

I would get some PB Blaster and spray the cable where it goes through the tubes and see if it frees up...YOur location probably is not friendly to cables with the snow and salt on the roads....

Thanks for the tip! I'll give that a shot

[ecerdas]

Thanks for the PDF too!! Its totally going to make my weekend a lot easier!!.. BTW do you know where I can find a complete PDF like this one (service)? My RX is a 2000 AWD, but I think there should be not much difference with the 2003, like your file.

[John Weh]

On 1/13/2009 at 5:26 PM, ShirleySerious said:

As far as doing it myself, how would I manage that?