1994 e brake problems

[Luke94]

1. These e brakes are not adjustable correct?
2. They engage a lil bit but no where near enough.
3. The cable itself hangs way down when not engaged.
Do I just need a new cable or what? The part in the brake drums seem to be working just fine btw. Idk sorry if this seems like a dumb question but I am losT on this.

 

[RonD]

I thought there was an adjustment on the equalizer.

Single cable goes back to drivers side frame and splits to 2 cables, that is where/what the equalizer is..

Cable of course shouldn't be hanging down, so maybe it has come off the cam in the e-brake pedal assembly, so it longer

 

[96firephoenix]

based on my experience: replace both rear cables, the tensioner at the equalizer and all the hardware including shoes.

The cables have a tendency to breach and rust internally, causing the brakes to apply and not release, and unless you notice immediately and stop driving, you destroy the brakes.

 

[Luke94]

The pads are fine, the brake just doesn't engage until to pedal is to the floor. If it would engage an inch or two before the floor it would work fine. I just don't know how to work on these e brakes.

 

[96firephoenix]

That's actually normal operation, for it to get all the way to the floor. You run into issues when it is all the way down and doesn't grab the truck or give any resistance.

If there is one - I haven't checked - You could conceivably take up some slack on the adjusting pawl. Basically index the cable against the pedal a little bit.

 

[Luke94]

thats the thing its all the way to the floor and doesnt grab. I can push my truck around with the ebrake on quite easily lol. I dont know what you mean by index the cable against the pedal. I have never messed with e brakes before.

 

[96firephoenix]

on some parking brakes (apparently only hand-brakes), there's a gear that positions the handle pawl relative to the cable. On my buddy's escort, we were able to get some improvement by dialing this all the way out.

Looking at my ranger, it doesn't appear that there is any sort of indexing ability.