HOW TO: Change parking brake boot

[Redog]

I changed mine again. The first one was replaced about 3 years ago and in started to rip, so I replaced it again.

It's really pretty easy to do, but for those that don't know::

First thing, remove the 6 bolts holding the center consol in the 2 in the front are covered by plastic pop off covers and under then is the 7mm bolts.

The other 4 bolts are just under the front lip of the seats and the other 2 are right next to each other, under the mat, in the arm rest cubby, these 4 bolts are 10 mm

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After removing all bolts, pull the front apart from the dash gently, (you'll see the crease in the dash) and slip the consol up and back. Set the parking park 1/2 way to slip the consol off of it.

On the first tug the shift bezel will pop out. Put the car in 1, and use a flat head screwdriver to pry out the staple holding the shifter in place. After removing the staple, pull the shifter striaght up. Then pull the bezel up. You might have to change gears while doing this. Take the bulb out with a simple twist and turn and remove the EST button. See the tab on the base by the wires. Use a flathead to open the tab, but be very careful not to break it

Then you will be looking at this :eek:

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Now remove the screws holding the boot plate on, and the coil spring if you have the lid for the cupholder

(Screws already removed in this pic)

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Get a small staple gun, line up the seam in the front and back, and staple away.

It might take a few shots to get it thru the plastic, you can use a hard surface, but be sure not to break the plastic boot ring plate

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Thread the boot thru the hole

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Be sure to replace the boot plate between the screw hole and post on the one side of the consol.

After the plate is in, you can also replace the coil spring, if equipped ;)

[Redog]

Pull brake about half way and slip the consol on. Take care with the seat belt hooks. You will have to push them out as you push in on the consol at that point. Slip the consol on from back to front. line it up on the carpet, and when the bolt holes line up, push the tabs in and replace all bolts, and you're done :D

http://www.aleromod.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2877&stc=1&d=1190152053

[paulyb]

nice write up, were did you get the boot from if you dont mind me asking?

[Redog]

eBay. It was a boot and handle combo, but the brake handle is non removalable in the Alero

[Satsuriku]

really nice write up ken!

good job!