parking brake

[ralphwiggum]

OK, ever since I bought my '92 in '99, the parking brake has had some trouble releasing. I have to push it up with my foot after pushing it down in order to release it. I looked under there, and the cable goes through the holes, but touches the side on at least one. I don't know if this is what they mean in the shop manual by rubbing or not. It doesn't seem too severe, and it would have to be right on to make it through the small holes without touching. Anyway, should I replace the spring or the hole assembly? Anyone done this or have any other suggestions? Thanks!

Phil

"Teacher, I glued myself to myself." --Ralph Wiggum

 

[leenjen]

i would open it up and look to see if the parking brake is releasing inside the drum. that's most likely the problem.

 

[BigOne]

If everything is ok in the brake drum but the release is still sluggish it may be that your cable needs lubrication. If the cable has not been replaced (and it likely hasn't) it is now 10 years old. You likely have some rust happening inside the cable between the core and the sheath.

Part of my general preventative maint. on my vehicles with cables is to lube the cables once a year. I have an attachment that is used for motorcyle cables and use motorcycle cable lube. I've never had to replace a cable yet. (one of my vehicles is 20 years old, all original cables maintained this way)

 

[88vert]

I would try lubeing it first,I never have changed a parking brake cable yet but it does not look like fun

 

[ralphwiggum]

lubing it

You know, I never even though about lubing it! I 'll give it a try here in a little while. Thanks!

Phil

 

[ralphwiggum]

tried lubing ...

I tried lubing the cable, unfortunately that didn't do anything ... A better explanation of the problem is that when I press down and release the pedal (in order to release the brake) it only comes halfway up. I have to push it down again, then lift it up with my foot. Any idedas as to what's doing this? Would a worn out spring cause it? It seems to go up halfway ok by itself. Thanks! :redexp:

 

[88vert]

Did you try taking the drum off and checking it out

 

[ralphwiggum]

OK, the brake is releasing inside the drum. I also figured out that the brake WILL pop all the way up if I yank the release lever back and a little to the left really hard. The release lever has always had a little play in it (left or right). Any clue as to why it's so touchy? The brake doesn't engage til about halfway down, I don't know if cable tension has anything to do with how the release up front works on the control assembly. My best guess @ this point is that there is something worn out in the control assembly. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Crankcase]

It doesn't help you much, but when I release the brake, I put my foot on the pedal and let it up slowly while pulling the lever. That prevents it from going BANG!!! and messing up the spring in the release.

 

[ld50]

That prevents it from going BANG!!!

-Not to mention throwing mud in your face!

Sounds like the ratcheting system in the pedal mechanism could be going. Once in a while mine goes bang! and goes right to the floor when I step on it.
I don`t know how to fix it aside from getting a replacement pedal, etc.

 

[BigOne]

I don't want to sound too much like a lube freak, but have you tried lubing the pedal assembly. The pin it pivots on and the ratchet assembly.

These may be sticking slightly and not allowing the pedal to full return.

I just have found over the years a little spray lube goes a long way to avoiding a replacement that wasn't really needed. Also helps with diagnosis. If the lube won't fix it the part needs work. Could be your cable has rusted inside the sheath too. This can take several attempts at the lube routine to fix, as it's really hard to get it stuff to go the full length of the cable.