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How do you adjust the parking brake on a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?

You can't directly adjust the parking brake on a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria in the same way you might on older vehicles with a cable-and-lever system. The 1997 Crown Vic uses a drum-in-rotor design integrated into the rear brake assemblies. This means there's no external cable adjustment.

Instead of adjusting the parking brake, the typical solutions for a weak or ineffective parking brake on this model are:

* Rear Brake Shoe Adjustment: The parking brake's effectiveness depends on the rear brake shoes. If the rear brakes are worn or need servicing, the parking brake will be weak. This requires professional service. A mechanic will need to disassemble the rear drum brakes, inspect the shoes and drums for wear, and adjust the shoes for proper clearance. Replacing worn shoes is usually necessary.

* Cable Replacement (Less Likely, but Possible): Although the adjustment is internal, the parking brake cables *could* be stretched or damaged. This is less common than worn shoes, but if the mechanic finds the shoes in good condition, the cables may be the issue.

Do NOT attempt to adjust anything inside the rear drums yourself unless you have extensive experience with brake system repair. Working on brakes incorrectly is extremely dangerous and can lead to brake failure.

If your parking brake is ineffective:

1. Have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.

2. Do not drive the car until the issue is resolved. A faulty parking brake is a serious safety hazard.

Trying to "adjust" anything without the proper knowledge and tools could worsen the situation or even cause damage to other components. Professional service is strongly recommended.