I had my brakes done recently. When I got home and parked on my driveway, which is quite steep, the car rolled backwards. I had the e brake adjusted and the car still won't stay put. I don't like using the tranny (P) to hold the G on the driveway. I'm thinking maybe the cable has been stretched to it's max and I'll need a new one. ****, I don't want to go to the stealership to have them do it. Any thoughts?

 

It's also possible that the pads are worn, Sam.
There's a tumbler adjuster right at the emerg brake drum.

Does it feel like you run out of pull on the brake handle?
OR; is it firm but just not holding?


On the cables there is a short front cable that connects the hand lever.
On some systems that's a running thread which allows you to take the slack out of the cable.

As you note, it may be maxed out though....
Do you have the pdf service manual for the coupe?
There's a pretty good write up in there.
It's also a doable DIY to replace cables, especially with access to a lift..

 

Does the handle/pedal go all the way to the top/bottom (not sure if you have hand or foot emerg). If the handle/pedal feels normal, maybe the shoes need burnishing (these cars use separate shoes/drums within the rear discs, no?). BMW says to put the brake on at 50km/h (in safe conditions) enough to get some good drag then drive for a couple of blocks, release and repeat.

 

^ you could be right... pads might be glazed.
Oops.... I forgot, Sam does have an AT, so it will be a pedal.

 

my friend stole my car from me, and him being an idiot drove the block wit the handbrake fully engaged,( surprising he didnt stall) then when he came back complained of my car being really slow, and now i have to yank the handbrake really hard everytime i park or it rolls back,

i think it needs adjustment, how/where do i do it?

 

The pedal goes down like a 5 buck looker and is just as loose. I didn't know there was a dedicated set of pads for this. Might be they are worn out. I'll look into it. Thanks

 

Yeah, there's a rear drum/shoes (smaller version of normal drum brake set up) on cars with rear discs. Some cars are set up so it adjusts the park brake automatically by applying brakes while driving in reverse. i don't think this works in the G. Otherwise one of the adjustment methods Ian suggested would apply- tumbler / cable.

 

I'd say that whoever installed your new brakes forgot to adjust the park brake shoes. Those shoes really shouldn't experience enough use to "wear out". Sic 'em tiger.

 

Grrr, right you are. I was nice and went back and they readjusted them, but obviously not enough for my slope. I'll see them in 1500 km. for my oil change.