Back brakes are slightly engaged even when not braking

[DroidTN]

Hey guys, I have a 4.0 6cyl 94 Ranger. I recently had some shop work done including the back brakes. About 3 weeks later, my truck started to feel sluggish, one day it got worse. When starting from a stop I have to apply a good amount of gas to make it move. If I coast from 10mph, it will stop itself in about 50 feet. It feels like the ebrake is on, but its not. It is definitely coming from the back. Is there a way to release tension on the ebrake (to see if it is the ebrake itself) or to unhook the back brakes to troubleshoot? I am by no means a mechanic, so please be specific if you have suggestions to try Thanks!!!

Andrew

 

[adsm08]

Hop under and pull on the cable, see if you can feel or see movement from the rear cables. You could also pop the drums off, set the brake, and release it, see it's returning.

 

[RonD]

How far down does the E-brake pedal start to engage?
Should be a few inches before you start to feel pressure

 

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

Sounds like your e brake cables are shot.
Just last year I had to replace them as I had roughly the same thing happening.
They lock on.

 

[DroidTN]

Can you just loosen the cable? If so, does that automatically let off the brake, or could it be stuck engaged even if the cable is looser?

 

[adsm08]

The cable has to hold tension on the arm or the springs inside the drum will return the brakes to their at-rest position. If the cable is loose the brakes should release.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It could be that the e-brake cable is seizing inside the protective cover, that is common. When seized the brakes will not release. Do like adsm said and remove the drum. It may not be easy because the brakes shoes will be expanded onto the drum if the cable is seized. There is a rubber plug in the lower part of the backing plate that you can remove to access the star wheel. Use a flat screwdriver to turn the wheel until the drum turns easily then remove. Once off take a pic or memorize where the shoes are in relation to the backing plate. Push on the e-brake and the shoes should expand. When released they should go back to original. If not there are three possible cables to replace. Replace the seized one. I would replace all of them if not strapped for cash as it's likely the others are close to failing too. When replacing the drum use the screwdriver to turn the star wheel until a slight drag is felt on the wheel while turning the wheel. You can also go to a parking lot and drive back and forth as that will self adjust the brakes. If you plan on doing work on your vehicles buy a manual. The haynes or other cheap manual will pay for itself on the first brake job you do yourself.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[adsm08]

The backing up thing to adjust drum brakes is outdated, but does still work. Setting the parking brake will adjust them now as well.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The backing up thing to adjust drum brakes is outdated, but does still work. Setting the parking brake will adjust them now as well.

Postin' from teh Galaxy

Yeah, I'm close to outdated too
Good to know about the PB adjusting.
Thanks,

Richard

 

[DroidTN]

Ok, I finally got a chance to get underneath it. What is happening is when the ebrake is released the cable isn't being full released. I cna pull on the cable at the split joint towards the rear axle and it continues to move about 1/2". That seems to fix it. The spring seems very weak, as in, inable to pull the brake cable back to fully off. The question is..is the problem, the spring possibly or just replace the entire cable and assembly?

Andrew