# Parking brake adjust

Requirement: Cables must move freely.
Park brake should be adjusted if lever comes up more than 8 clicks before engaging brake

Pull boot off park brake handle by raising the front edge, then pulling forward. |
Loosen both adjusting nuts on cable ends. |
CAUTION : Hold squared off section (green arrow) of cable with pliers or it is possible to twist the end off the cable while trying to undo the adjusting nuts. If cable end breaks off, cable must be replaced.
As the park brake system is independent of the service brakes, the relevant surfaces are subject to corrosion from lack of use. Drive the car , with the park brake engaged lightly , for approximately 400 meters ( 440yds) before servicing parking brake. This will remove corrosion and glazing from shoes and drums
It is possible to adjust the parking brake without removing the wheel.
Remove 1 wheel bolt and rotate the wheel until that bolt hole is approximately 30° beyond the top vertical point. Photo shows park brake assembly with wheel, rotor and hub removed for purpose of showing position of adjuster (arrow) |
Insert a screwdriver through the bolt hole and turn the Left adjuster UP to tighten and the Right adjuster DOWN to tighten. Tighten adjusters until wheel stops rotating, then back off approximately 2 full turns. This must be done with the adjusting nuts at the lever backed off completely.
Some aluminum wheels with deep bolt hole recesses may not allow the required movement of the screwdriver, in which case , the wheels must be removed.
Pull park brake lever up 5 clicks and tighten adjusting nuts, while holding cables, until rear wheels begin to bind, but can still be turned. Each cable must be adjusted individually to achieve the same results at the wheel, do not simply adjust both cables exactly the same amount of threads as the wheels will not necessarily have the same braking force applied.
Check that the park brake warning lamp goes out with the lever lowered and ignition on, adjust switch at rear of lever if necessary. |

E30 M3 Repair Manual V2.7. Copyright ©1999-2001 Koala Motorsport & Brett Anderson