How to Adjust the Emergency Brake on a 1998 Honda Accord

On the 1998 Honda Accord, the hydraulic system and the emergency brake share the use of the rear brake shoes. The emergency brake cables, one for each side, attach to the secondary brake shoes on the rear brakes. Before you adjust the emergency brakes, check the adjustment of the rear brakes. This adjustment may solve the emergency brake problem. Over-tightening the emergency brake may cause overheating and brake failure. If the rear brakes do not need adjusting, adjust the emergency brake. The adjustment nut for the emergency brake is inside the passenger compartment between the seats,

Instructions

1

Take off the screw covers, remove the trim screws and take off the emergency brake trim cover.

2

Pull the emergency handle to see how many clicks it takes to apply the brake. If it takes more than three, turn the adjustment nut clockwise until you can apply the brake in three clicks. You will need an offset boxed wrench to turn the nut.

3

Replace the trim cover over the emergency brake and replace the screws. Start the vehicle and pull the brake handle to see if it holds taught.