Help your drum-brake parking brake apply as designed with the Dorman - HELP Parking Brake Strut / Drum Brake Bar Lever, part number 21129. It fits many vehicles, among them the 1978-1983 Chevrolet Malibu, 1977-1985 Chevrolet Impala and 1967-1981 Chevrolet Camaro. See the "Vehicles it fits" section for the full list and engine details. It is cataloged for both the rear left and rear right positions.
Inside the drum brake assembly, the parking brake strut spans the gap between the brake shoes. When the parking brake is set, it helps transfer the lever's force so the shoes spread against the drum. The part is listed under both names, parking brake strut and drum brake bar lever.
- Direct replacement: this strut blade is designed to install and work like the original part on the listed applications.
- Practical fix: use it when the factory strut is damaged or has gone missing.
- Quality construction: it is made from quality materials and engineered for dependable performance.
- Backed by experience: it is supported by a team of product experts in the United States and more than a century of automotive experience.
Signs this part may need replacing include a parking brake that does not hold as firmly as it should, extra lever or pedal travel, or a rattle from the rear drums. Other parts can cause these symptoms, so diagnose the cause before replacing. Because the part serves both rear sides, inspect the opposite side while the drums are off.
Interchange: 179-2012 · 179-2013
458483 · 458484 · 211294 · 1792012 · 1792013
This part cross-references / interchanges with the following part numbers:
179-2012, 179-2013, 458483, 458484, 211294
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a parking brake strut do?
In a drum brake, the strut sits between the brake shoes. When the parking brake is applied, it helps transfer force from the parking brake lever to spread the shoes against the drum.
Why is it also called a drum brake bar lever?
Dorman - HELP lists part 21129 under both names. Parking brake strut and drum brake bar lever refer to this same drum brake part.
Which vehicles does Dorman - HELP 21129 fit?
It fits many vehicles, among them the 1978-1983 Chevrolet Malibu, 1977-1985 Chevrolet Impala and 1967-1981 Chevrolet Camaro. Check the "Vehicles it fits" section for your exact vehicle.
Which side of the vehicle does it install on?
It is cataloged for both the rear left and rear right positions on the listed applications.
What are signs the parking brake strut may need replacing?
A parking brake that doesn't hold well, extra lever or pedal travel, or a rattle from the rear drums may be signs of a worn, bent or missing strut. Other parts can cause these symptoms, so diagnose first.
