Emergency brake issue

[m-remington-05]

Went to get an inspection today on a 97 explorer. Everything passed except the e brake and the third brake light was out. I think thats the long one above the liftgate. It's a special LED bulb I believe.

Anyways, the brake I assume is set up from never being used. What I'm wondering is does the cable go to both back brakes or is it just to one side? I know nothing about them but they don't seem like they can be very difficult. I shouldn't have said that, lol. Also, do they work off a seperate pad inside the drum?

Also any info regarding the LED light and where to get one would be appreciated. I guess I have 10 days to get the repair done.....

 

[96eb96]

Went to get an inspection today on a 97 explorer. Everything passed except the e brake and the third brake light was out. I think thats the long one above the liftgate. It's a special LED bulb I believe.

Anyways, the brake I assume is set up from never being used. What I'm wondering is does the cable go to both back brakes or is it just to one side? I know nothing about them but they don't seem like they can be very difficult. I shouldn't have said that, lol. Also, do they work off a seperate pad inside the drum?

Also any info regarding the LED light and where to get one would be appreciated. I guess I have 10 days to get the repair done.....

That third brake light costs a fortune at the dealer. 97 was the last year it was out. It consists of two components, I would compare it to a neon sign.

For the LED(actually neon) light you can try www.car-parts.com (third brake light). There are some cheap ones there. Be sure to get both the ballast and bulb from the boneyard. They sell a replacement also on ebay for around $100 bucks, I think it is a LED setup. You can also rig up something on your own if you are creative or search the forums.

There are many threads on parking brakes here so you should search. Take off your rear caliper, then the rotor. If it wasnt off for a while enjoy pounding the corrosion. The parking brakes are a mini drum setup without an auto adjuster. You may have to turn the adjustment wheel behind the rubber plug to get the rotor off.

Count on replacing your ebrake shoes, the springs, and possibly reconditioning very corroded latches and backing plates. Inspect your cables for free movement too. Also, you can try adjusting the star adjuster on the backing plate with the wheels off the ground, and seeing the point just before the brakes grab. You may get lucky.

 

[m-remington-05]

Thx for the reply 96eb. So what you're saying is there is an emergency brake on both back wheels? I was hoping that maybe they had just seized up from not being used. We have never used it and have had the vehicle for about 4 years. I did have new brakes put on last year so hopefully they come apart easy.

I looked up the led light and it wanted to know with or without washer. What are they talking about there? Thx again for the reply.....

 

[Willard]

There is always and e-brake on both back wheels. Otherwise, with an open differential, it wouldn't do anything.

 

[96eb96]

Thx for the reply 96eb. So what you're saying is there is an emergency brake on both back wheels? I was hoping that maybe they had just seized up from not being used. We have never used it and have had the vehicle for about 4 years. I did have new brakes put on last year so hopefully they come apart easy.

I looked up the led light and it wanted to know with or without washer. What are they talking about there? Thx again for the reply.....

Oh yeah, both wheels. If they were replaced last year it is probably a matter of adjustment, a mechanic (or yourself) should be able to fix it very quickly.

You hope they are not siezed up, because that means the shoes are probably worn to bits by now .

They are asking about the rear window washer. Believe it or not, but that entire black strip gets replaced. There is a wash nozzle on it. You can remove the light from that strip, but you have to be careful not to bend the bezel.

 

[ghh97eb]

Hi,

If you haven't already fixed the high mount brake light on your 96 Explorer, here's how I fixed mine last year when it finally gave up the ghost and held up my passing the VA state inspection (with pix):

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182652

Just another option for you to consider. Hope this helps. :exp:

 

[m-remington-05]

Oh yeah, both wheels. If they were replaced last year it is probably a matter of adjustment, a mechanic (or yourself) should be able to fix it very quickly.

You hope they are not siezed up, because that means the shoes are probably worn to bits by now .

They are asking about the rear window washer. Believe it or not, but that entire black strip gets replaced. There is a wash nozzle on it. You can remove the light from that strip, but you have to be careful not to bend the bezel.

I have tomorrow off so Im going to take the light out. I thought just the red light came out of it. I didnt know the entire thing came out. Do I assume that there must be a couple small nuts underneath the moulding on the inside of the vehicle?

 

[m-remington-05]

Heres a good one. I decided to make sure there was power at the light but there wasn't. I traced the wiring and it looked ok so I thought maybe a fuse. When I looked the fuse was gone. Just plain missing. I know it was there last year and I have no idea what the hell happened to it. I was able to cancel the order thank god as I had to buy a new one for it to pass inspection. Id hate to think a garage would do something like that. I talked to the shop manager and he said something wasnt right because they should have checked the fusebox before giving me an estimate on a new light. I dont know....Thanks everyone for the help now I just got to get the brakes finished..