Parking (hand) brake application — which wheels are typically actuated? In passenger vehicles with conventional layouts, the parking brake generally applies braking force to which wheels or member?

Introduction / Context:
The parking brake (hand brake) secures a stationary vehicle and serves as an emergency brake in case of hydraulic failure. Knowing which wheels it acts upon aids in troubleshooting and safety checks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Typical passenger car with rear drum or rear disc brakes and cable-operated parking mechanism.
• Standard production design, not special heavy vehicles.

Concept / Approach:
Parking brakes most commonly actuate the rear brakes because the rear axle supports vehicle stability when parked and avoids steering disturbances. Cable or motor (EPB) mechanisms engage rear drums or drum-in-hat mechanisms on rear discs. Some heavy trucks historically used transmission (propeller-shaft) parking brakes, but that is not standard for passenger cars.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify common passenger-vehicle implementations.Parking brake linkage routes to rear calipers or drum levers.Therefore, the correct answer is rear wheels.

Verification / Alternative check:
Service manuals describe adjustment of rear cables and drum shoes or EPB actuators at the rear axle, confirming this practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Front wheels: would compromise steering hardware and load transfer characteristics.
• Front and rear wheels: uncommon; increases complexity.
• Propeller shaft: used in some trucks/buses, not the general passenger car case referenced by the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming transmission-mounted parking brakes in all vehicles; that is application-specific.

Final Answer:
rear wheels