So my car can't pass an inspection because the parking brake doesn't hold at idle. Ugh. But the pedal brake works just fine (fantastic actually, can lock them up). I adjusted the pads today - tomorrow I plan on trying again with the cables.

At the firewall for the parking brake cables, pushing the cable screw into the firewall holes make the parking brakes tighter or looser?

Silly question, but I've spent way too much time with this and it's getting aggravating - want to make sure I'm doing it right.

Thanks.

.....I would say adjusting the cable...which you've done?
(venting clearance also ties in?)

To tighten the cables you need to loosen the nuts and turn them in (toward the firewall) you should also verify that the equalizer remains in balance with the pull of the brake handle.

You may need to end up replacing/lube the cables as well. The rear ones go bad, requiring too much force on the hand brake. I used a dry lube for motorcycle cables on mine, it helped by about 20%.

.....Lube is a fine addendum to the job?

Got it, thanks guys! I did turn the nuts in a little towards the firewall - was just what it needed after adjusting the pads. Guy didn't even test the brakes, he pulled the handle and said "Yeah, it's tight enough, I know they work".

Whatever. Finally got to drive after a couple months of being too busy and out of town.