Anyone with 2003 6 speed noticed that parking brake doesn't hold? I thought that pads are worn out, pulled wheels off to check-no, they are at about 75%. Cable adjustment under center console didn't yield anything, seems that all it does is regulates how far parking brake lever goes.
Any suggestions? Search of number of 350 Z forums didn't give me answer.

Thank you

 

well.... never had the problem
don't know what to tell u...
step it deeper, and when u park on down hill
turn the steer wheel , will hold

 

Personally, I think this seems to be the trend with a lot of newer cars. I've noticed on my 04 6MT that I have to pull up on the hand brake fairly hard to really get it to "hold" the car.

Personally, I don't think that car designers are paying enough attention to us "stick shift" drivers, since the majority of the cars sold are automatics. Those cars get put in Park, and that pretty much holds them in place - starting on hills is not an issue. I wish that they would design the parking brake with more leverage, so that we don't have to pull up so hard - would make starting up on steep hills that much more easier and with less clutch wear.

 

I have an '03 5AT so maybe this doesn't pertain to your situation, but I do not have a problem with my parking break. That said, almost every loaner car I have driven had a VERY weak parking break. So weak that I drove one half a block with the parking break engaged without realizing it. Granted they were all 5AT's.

 

After some more search I subscribed to Alldata.com on-line manual.
Parking brake operation has nothing to do with disk brake components.
There's small "drum" with shoes only for parking brake. There's adjusting sproket, which can be reached through hole in rear disk with flathead screwdriver. Hole must be positioned aprox between 12 and 1 o'clock, flashlight will help.
Moving sproket clockwise(down) tightens parking brake shoes. Trick it to have it tight enough for brake to hold, but still let rotor rotate with minimum resistance.
My driveway is on slight incline, and brake is holding fine now.
EDIT:
This adjustment will decrease parking brake lever travel. If necessary it can be readjusted by removing center console and loosening adjuster nut.

 

Great info, thanks for the write-up. I think we need this in the DIY section.

 

Parking brake should be as solid as a rock when applied as the book suggests.
If it doesn't, take it in for an adjustment (warranty).
C.

 

Us O.F.s remember when it was an emergency brake and could (almost) stop the car at a modest speed. The name has transmogrified as the functional ability has deteriorated. That being said, my 04 sedan AT with about 7000 miles is doing fine, asit should.