Brakes – Parking Brake Adjustment – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure adjusts the parking brake on all Porsche 944 variants with an 8-valve engine configuration, ensuring it engages correctly to hold the vehicle securely when parked. Proper adjustment prevents excessive wear on the brake components and ensures reliable operation. This guide covers both pre-1985.5 (1983–1985.5) and 1985.5 onwards (1986–1988) variants, with distinctions noted where applicable.

Pink and blue text represent links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites.

Tools Required

• Screwdriver (flathead, approximately 6mm (1/4 inch) tip)
• Jack stands (pair, rated for vehicle weight)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Check Parking Brake Adjustment

1. Position the vehicle on a flat surface and place it on jack stands to elevate all four wheels off the ground. Ensure the stands are secure and rated for the vehicle’s weight (approximately 2,800 lbs or 1,270 kg).
2. Pull the parking brake lever up two clicks (notches).
3. Attempt to rotate each rear wheel by hand. The wheel should be difficult to turn but still move with effort. If the wheel turns easily or cannot be turned at all, proceed to adjust the parking brake.

Step 2: Adjust the Parking Brake

4. Release the parking brake lever fully and verify that each rear wheel rotates freely by hand. If not, check for other brake issues before proceeding.
5. Locate the adjustment hole in the rear wheel hub (typically a small rubber plug or open hole). Remove the plug if present.
6. Insert a flathead screwdriver (approximately 6mm (1/4 inch) tip) into the adjustment hole to engage the brake adjuster star wheel.
7. Turn the adjuster star wheel until the rear wheel cannot be turned by hand. This tightens the brake shoes against the drum.
8. Turn the adjuster star wheel in the opposite direction until the wheel just begins to rotate freely with minimal drag.
9. Lift the carpet beside the parking brake lever (center console area) to access the parking brake cable adjusting nuts and yoke.
10. Locate the locknut at the bottom of the adjusting yoke and loosen it using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench.
11. Adjust the two nuts on either side of the adjusting yoke collar using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench. Tighten or loosen them evenly until each rear wheel is just barely able to turn when the parking brake lever is raised two clicks.
12. Ensure both adjusting nuts are snug against the yoke collar, then tighten the locknut against the rear adjusting nut to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
13. Replace the carpet around the parking brake lever, ensuring it sits flat and secure.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Raise the parking brake lever two clicks and confirm that each rear wheel is difficult to turn but still moves with effort.
• Release the parking brake and verify that both rear wheels rotate freely.
• Check that the parking brake lever feels firm and engages consistently.
• Inspect the carpet around the parking brake lever to ensure it is properly seated.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• YouTube