1. Locate the Parking Brake Cable Equalizer:
* Under the rear seat: This is the most common location. Look for a small metal bracket with two cables attached. There should be a nut or adjuster on this bracket. It might be hidden by carpeting or other components.
* Near the rear axle: Sometimes the equalizer is closer to the rear brakes themselves. This is less common but possible. You'll need to get under the car to check.
* Inside the rear brake drums: While unlikely to be the primary adjustment point, some minor adjustment *might* be possible within the drum itself by accessing the cable end attached to the brake shoes. This is a last resort and requires removing the drums.
2. If You Find the Equalizer:
* Adjust the equalizer nut: Turn the nut to adjust the tension of the cables. A small amount of adjustment goes a long way. Turn it slightly (a fraction of a turn at a time), test the parking brake, and repeat until you achieve the desired firmness. The brake should hold the car firmly on a slight incline without excessive effort.
3. If You Cannot Find an Equalizer Nut (Highly Unlikely):
If after a thorough search you can't find *any* adjustment mechanism, then the problem lies elsewhere:
* Worn or broken parking brake cables: This is the most likely culprit if there's no adjustment. Inspect the cables for fraying, kinking, or breakage. Replacement is usually necessary in this case.
* Worn or damaged brake shoes: Worn brake shoes in the rear drums significantly reduce the effectiveness of the parking brake. Inspect the shoes; if they're thin, they need replacing.
* Internal drum brake mechanism issues: There could be problems within the drum brake assembly itself, like a broken spring or other internal component. This will require disassembling the drums. This is a more involved repair.
Important Considerations:
* Safety First: Always chock the wheels before working under the car.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable working on your brakes, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Brake systems are critical for safety.
* Owner's Manual: Consult your 1994 Pontiac Grand Am owner's manual for diagrams and specific instructions.
In short, while the absence of an easily accessible equalizer is unusual, it doesn't mean there isn't one. Thoroughly search all likely locations before concluding there's no adjustment. If you can't find an adjuster, then cable or drum brake issues are far more likely to be the cause of poor parking brake performance.
