Where is the adjustment for the parking brake?
In most vehicles with a traditional mechanical parking brake, the adjustment is at the rear brake via an access hole or an adjuster on the drum. In newer cars with electronic parking brakes, there is usually no user adjustment—the system is calibrated by a control module and may require dealer tools for service.
Two main types of parking brakes and where they’re adjusted
The location and method you use depend on whether your car uses a mechanical cable system or an electronic parking brake (EPB). Here’s how each tends to work and where you look.
Mechanical cable-operated parking brakes
For vehicles with a traditional cable brake, the adjustment point is usually on the rear drum brake or the backing plate. The following steps outline a general approach, but always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and torque specs.
- Park on level ground and chock the wheels to prevent movement.
- If needed, lift the rear of the vehicle and remove the rear wheels to access the brake assembly.
- Locate the access point on the rear backing plate or drum—often a rubber plug or small inspection hole.
- Remove the plug or cover to expose the adjuster (sometimes a star wheel).
- Use the appropriate tool (screwdriver or pliers) to turn the adjuster in small increments. Tighten until you feel a slight drag when rotating the wheel by hand with the brake released; avoid overtightening, which can bind the drum.
- Reinstall the plug/cover, reattach the wheel, and lower the vehicle if it was raised.
- Test the parking brake by pulling or pushing the lever and ensuring the car holds on a gentle incline.
Before you begin, prepare with these general prerequisites so you can adjust safely and effectively:
Concluding for mechanical systems: The exact location and access method vary by model, but the general principle is the same—adjust the rear brake shoes via the drum’s adjuster until there is a light drag without binding. If you can’t locate the adjuster or the brake doesn’t hold after adjustment, a professional inspection is advised.
Electronic parking brakes (EPB)
Electronic parking brakes typically do not have a user-adjustable screw or star wheel. Instead, the system uses a motorized actuator and a control module; calibration and any necessary adjustments are handled through diagnostic software and service procedures. The following points cover what to know and how to proceed.
- Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s service notes to see if the EPB has a service/calibration mode for your model.
- Most EPB systems are self-calibrating during normal operation, and there is no manual adjustment for the user to perform.
- If the system indicates a fault or the brake does not hold, arrange service with a dealer or a qualified shop. A technician may perform EPB calibration, diagnose a faulty actuator, or replace components as needed using specialized tools.
- Do not attempt to force or improvise a manual adjustment on an EPB system, as this can damage the brake-by-wire hardware and its safety features.
Before attempting any service on an EPB system, note these general guidelines:
Concluding for electronic systems: In most cases, there’s no user-facing adjustment. If the system is malfunctioning or not holding correctly, professional diagnosis and calibration are required, with repairs guided by the vehicle’s diagnostic tool data.
How to locate the precise adjustment point for your specific vehicle
Because the exact location and procedure vary by make, model, and year, use these steps to determine where to look for your car’s parking brake adjustment point.
- Consult the owner’s manual or a manufacturer service manual for your exact model and year to confirm whether the system is mechanical or electronic.
- Inspect the rear brakes: for mechanical systems, look for a rubber plug or access hole in the backing plate behind the rear wheel; for EPB, rely on the service mode instructions in the manual.
- If you must remove the wheel, ensure the car is safely supported on stands and the parking brake is released before removing components.
- Check for model-specific notes, such as required torque specs, the correct direction to turn the adjuster, and whether a drum removal is necessary.
- Use credible resources (dealer portals, Haynes/Chilton manuals, or official service bulletins) to confirm the exact tool and steps for your vehicle.
Putting it together: locating the adjustment point comes down to identifying whether your system is mechanical or electronic and then following model-specific guidance to access the adjustment or calibration procedures.
What to do if the parking brake won’t hold or seems misadjusted
First verify whether you have a mechanical or electronic system, then follow the appropriate path. For mechanical brakes, recheck the adjustment procedure and inspect the condition of the cables and drums. For EPB, rely on diagnostic software and professional service to calibrate or replace faulty actuators or modules. If in doubt, seek professional help—parking brakes are critical for safety and should be serviced correctly.
Summary
Vehicle parking brake adjustments fall into two broad camps: mechanical cable systems, which use a rear adjuster accessible via a drum/backing plate and can often be adjusted by the vehicle owner with proper precautions; and electronic parking brakes, which rarely have a user-accessible adjustment and typically require dealer-grade tools for calibration or repair. Always start with your vehicle’s manual to identify the correct method for your model, and when in doubt, consult a qualified technician to ensure safe and proper operation.
