Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Brakes » Base brake system » Description and operation
Parking brake

DESCRIPTION

The parking bake is a hand lever and cable operated system used to apply the rear brakes.

OPERATION

A hand operated lever in the passenger compartment is the main application device. The front cable is connected between the hand lever and the tensioner.

The tensioner rod is attached to the equalizer which is the connecting point for the rear cables (Fig.

5).

The rear cables are connected to the actuating lever on each secondary brake shoe. The levers are attached to the brake shoes by a pin either pressed into, or welded to the lever. A clip is used to secure the pin in the brake shoe. The pin allows each lever to pivot independently of the brake shoe.

To apply the parking brakes, the hand lever is pulled upward. This pulls the rear brake shoe actuating levers forward, by means tensioner and cables.

As the actuating lever is pulled forward, the parking brake strut (which is connected to both shoes), exerts a linear force against the primary brake shoe. This action presses the primary shoe into contact with the drum. Once the primary shoe contacts the drum, force is exerted through the strut. This force is transferred through the strut to the secondary brake shoe causing it to pivot into the drum as well.

Fig. 4 Brake Components

1 - ADJUSTER LEVER
2 - ADJUSTER CABLE
3 - HOLDDOWN SPRING AND RETAINERS
4 - ADJUSTER LEVER SPRING
5 - TRAILING SHOE
6 - CYLINDER-TO-SUPPORT SEAL
7 - HOLDDOWN PINS
8 - ACCESS PLUGS
9 - SUPPORT PLATE
10 - CABLE HOLE PLUG
11 - PARK BRAKE STRUT AND SPRING
12 - ADJUSTER SCREW ASSEMBLY
13 - HOLDDOWN SPRING AND RETAINERS
14 - LEADING SHOE
15 - CABLE GUIDE
16 - SHOE RETURN SPRINGS
17 - SHOE GUIDE PLATE
18 - PIN
19 - SHOE SPRING
20 - PARK BRAKE LEVER

Fig. 5 Parking Brake Components

1 - REAR CABLES
2 - EQUALIZER
3 - FRONT CABLE
4 - TENSIONER ROD

A gear type ratcheting mechanism is used to hold the lever in an applied position. Parking brake release is accomplished by the hand lever release button.

A parking brake switch is mounted on the parking brake lever and is actuated by movement of the lever. The switch, which is in circuit with the red warning light in the dash, will illuminate the warning light whenever the parking brakes are applied.

Parking brake adjustment is controlled by a cable tensioner mechanism. The cable tensioner, once adjusted at the factory, should not need further adjustment under normal circumstances. Adjustment may be required if a new tensioner, or cables are installed, or disconnected.

Brake system

Service warnings & cautions

Brake pedal

Brake lamp switch

Red brake warning lamp

Power brake booster

Master cylinder

Combination valve

Front disc brakes

Rear drum brake

Parking brake

Brake hoses and lines