How do I adjust the parking brake on a 1988 Suburban?

There are things you need to check:
1. The brake pads or shoes on the back wheels.
2. The cable that connects from the pedal to the cable on the back wheels,
3. The cable on the back wheels.
The cables are adjustable.

Under the truck, on the drivers side, about in the middle of the truck is where the adjustment is. You will see the cable from the front going to the back. There is a long threaded bolt on the end on the cable. Lube it up good. and adjust it. If you can't get a good adjustment, replace the front cable, it is stretched to far.

you need to have the parking brake adjusted

Under the car on the drivers side you will see a threaded rod that goes through a saddle that goes off with two cables to the rear wheels, adjust the cable there using the adjustment nut.

1. Remove the screw covers, screws and parking brake trim cover.
2. Turn the adjuster as needed to attain the proper adjustment.

Make sure the brakes do not drag when the parking brake lever is released.

1. Reinstall the trim cover.
2. Depress the pedal 2 notches.
3. Tighten the adjusting nut at the pedal assembly until the rear brakes just begin to drag when rotated.
4. Release the parking brake lever and check that the wheels do not drag when turned. The parking brake should engage in 3-5 notches when a force of 66 lbs. (294 Nm) is applied to the parking brake pedal.
5. Lower the vehicle

I had the same thing. just remove the cover from under the steering wheel and you can see the ratchet release lever. You can also remove the metal cover that is under the plastic cover for more visibility. now just reach in with a bit of stiff wire with a hook on the end and pull the lever back to you. that is all the cable does, and voila, the brake is released. now you just have to remember not to push it down again (I did!)

There is an adjuster under the console. See instructions below from autozone.com:

1. On vehicle with low series floor console:

1. If equipped, remove the manual transmission shift knob by turning counterclockwise.
2. Remove the floor console front finish panel.
3. Apply the parking brake, then remove the floor console rear finish panel.

1. On vehicle with high series floor console:

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the floor console finish panel.

1. Remove the adjustment nut clip.
   
2. Turn the parking brake control adjustment nut so that the parking brake control stroke is three to five notches when pulled.
   
   Fig. Turn the parking brake control adjustment nut so that the parking brake control stroke is three to five notches when pulled
   
3. Confirm the parking brake is applied.
4. Install the adjustment nut clip.

1. On vehicles with high series floor console:
2. 1. Install the floor console rear finish panel.

1. On vehicles with low series floor console:

1. Install the floor console rear finish panel.
2. Install the floor console front finish panel. If equipped, install the manual transmission shifter knob by turning clockwise.

This is not a hard answer but I couldn't find it anywhere either so I figured it out.
On the drivers side of the vehicle between the door and the rear wheel, just under the vehicle (outside of the frame) you will see the cable. Locate the nut (it's on a lolong screw-the front of the screw is facing the front of the vehicle) About 6 inches toward the read of that screw attach a vise grip. Then rotate the nut with a 12mm box wrench and shorten the cable. It takes a lot of turns so after every 10 or so check the parking brake pedal. If you are going in the right direction it should stop further fromn the floor each time. The manual says adjust to the point the pedal travels 1/2 way to the floor.Tip- Lube the nut and screw before starting. The nut can be rusted on and may snap if you try too hard. Mine was nice and easy to turn and now the pedal stops 1/2 way to the floor.

The adjuster is just like on a car with drum brakes. It can be adjusted with the wheels still on the truck, but if yours is out enough that it doesn't work, an inspection is warranted. Axle seal failure is common and will soak the shoes.

Jacked both rear wheels off ground, and while slowly spinning wheel, tighten the star-wheel adjuster until you just hear and feel brake drums rubbing, then loosened slightly.
There's a plastic dust cover about 1/4" X 1" that you remove, and use a drum brake adjuster tool.

The driverside access hole is below axle, easily accessable. To tighten driver side rear parking brake, turn star-wheel adjuster down.


The passengerside access hole is found above axle, and difficult to see. Removed pass side wheel and used an inspection mirror.
To tighten passenger side rear parking brake, turn star-wheel adjuster up.

Good luck and hope this helps. Oh and the other thing to is that if you do smell axle fluid around the wheels and see oil leaking from the drum area. Then you have a axle wheel seal and or bearing gone bad too.

Hello;
The parking brake cables may be stretched and in need of adjustment. Follow the cables along to a nut. Then you can tighten the adjusters up on both sides until you have the proper tension. Also make certain none of the brackets are bent or broken that the cables ride through.
Thanks;
RPM Northwest