93 Ranger Parking Brake Problem

[93_ranger]

I have a problem with the parking brake in my 93 ford ranger. I used the parking brake this morning and it worked fine, then when I got home, I heard a loud pop. The cable is not broken, however, the foot lever won't push down unless I push extremely hard. When I looked underneath the foot lever, there is something that looks like a big gear with a ratchet mechanism on it. When I push on the back of the ratchet, I am able to push the foot lever down, but I don't think it is engaging the parking brake cable. I've looked all over the internet, as well as in my Chilton's manual, but I can't find anything anywhere.

If anyone could shed some light on the subject, I would be extremely grateful. Also, unless it is an easy fix, I don't think I'll be able to afford a trip to the repair shop. Perhaps it would be easier and cheaper to just carry a set of chocks with me?

 

[DB_1]

I'd take your rear wheels and drums off then have someone operate the parking brake and see what it's doing or not doing.

 

[93_ranger]

Thanks for the idea. Ok, I did that and the brake(s) is not engaging when I push on the foot lever. It does when I pull on the cable, so I'm guessing it has something to do with the actual mechanism under the steering column. Any further ideas?

 

[4x4junkie]

There was once a recall on those brake pedals for intermittent popping out of engagement while applying the brake, the fix was sticking some stupid little wedge-shaped plastic piece in there to lock out the self-adjuster part of the mechanism. I wouldn't be surprised if that little plastic piece fell out (mine kept falling out repeatedly, I finally demanded the dealer replace the whole pedal, which they did, though the truck was also still under warranty at the time). Maybe a replacement pedal is in order here.

 

[93_ranger]

Thanks for the help 4x4. I was looking to see if it was that wedge thing, and I found out that the parking brake was the symptom, not the problem. I was replacing the back tire and found that the rear leaf spring has separated, and I think it is pinning a section of the parking brake cable against the frame. I feel like an idiot for not seeing it before. Even if I can't fix the parking brake without replacing it, is there a way to repair the leaf spring without having to buy a new one?

 

[DB_1]

Can you elaborate on the leaf spring separating? Or better yet post a pic.

I am guessing the the overload or bottom leaf is shifting to one side causing the problem. If that's the case just loosen up your U-bolts that hold the leafs in place and hammer it back in place and re-tighten.