I have changed every other part of the parking brake system, figured it couldn't possibly be the handle but here I am.

After changing everything the brake engages no problem, but when released the auto-adjusting handle keeps too much tension on the cables and the brakes stay slightly engaged.

So does anyone know how to loosen/ adjust these "self-adjusting" brakes?

For reference the brakes are disks so there is no adjustment that can be done in the back. PLEASE HELP the car is a 6 speed manual and living without the parking brake sucks.

This is a 2005 G6 ?

The 2006 G6 GTP

Ah, okay. Glad I asked:



I don't know if anything changes on this between 2005 and 2006, but it'* good to have the right year and model.

What happens if the lever is released and you get under the car and pull backwards on the cable?

I tried that, as well as from in the cab, and everytime the calipers release right away

I found a procedure online:

Important: This vehicle utilizes a self-tensioning, or self-adjusting park brake cable system. The park brake system does not require adjustment under normal operating conditions. The tension on the park brake cables can be disabled and enabled when necessary during service of the disc brake and/or the park brake system.

Apply and fully release the park brake lever several times. Verify that the park brake lever releases completely.

Turn ON the ignition. Verify the red BRAKE warning lamp is not illuminated.

If the red BRAKE warning lamp is illuminated, verify the following:
- The park brake lever is in the fully released position and against the stop.
- There is no slack in the park brake cables.

Turn OFF the ignition.

Raise and support the vehicle.

With the park brake lever fully released, check the park brake apply levers on the rear calipers. The apply levers should be against the stops on the caliper housings. If the apply levers are not against the stops, binding may exist.

Fully apply and release the park brake lever 3-5 times in order for the cable tensioner to take up any slack in the park brake cables.

Fully apply the park brake lever, tension should be felt on the lever by pulling the lever less than one full pull.

Attempt to rotate the rear brake rotors. There should be no rotation forward or rearward.

Fully release the park brake lever.

Verify the park brake is released by rotating the rear brake rotors. The rotors should rotate freely and exhibit no brake drag.

Lower the vehicle.

This procedure is for taking up tension in the cables, I don't believe it works to loosen them as I have pulled and released the handle many times in my struggles and its hasn't changed.

It starts by loosening first then re-tensioning.

Can you show me where it says how to loosen them then? All it says is to pull the handle multiple times, which is the procedure for tightening.

You're right. I looked at a bunch of procedures before pulling this one. I think the loosening was on a different manufacturer.

Back to your original question, how much tension is on the cable when the lever is "off"? a little is fine. Is it burning up brake pads because of this?