E-brake release

[hoch]

Last few weeks, I’ve been having issues with the e-brake releasing.

The handle functions just fine. And the brake holds just fine.

When I engage then disengage the Ebrake, then start off, I can tell the brake is engaged and dragging. The handle also has visible slop at the down position.

Usually, there is an audible “thunk” and the brakes release, after about 10 seconds. The handle then, has zero slop.

I need to trace the cable to see where it’s binding. I’ve taken apart the center console to adjust tension before. But perhaps the issue is from down under somewhere.

Just thought I’d inquire the brain trust before I start tearing things apart.

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[Flip]

It sounds like you have a good handle on it. I had a similar problem with the emergency brake on my TJ, I tightened up the cable (no luck) between the mud, rust, debris, old springs, broken springs, the E -brake pads were hung up.

Best of luck friend.

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

Last few weeks, I’ve been having issues with the e-brake releasing.

The handle functions just fine. And the brake holds just fine.

When I engage then disengage the Ebrake, then start off, I can tell the brake is engaged and dragging. The handle also has visible slop at the down position.

Usually, there is an audible “thunk” and the brakes release, after about 10 seconds. The handle then, has zero slop.

I need to trace the cable to see where it’s binding. I’ve taken apart the center console to adjust tension before. But perhaps the issue is from down under somewhere.

Just thought I’d inquire the brain trust before I start tearing things apart.

 

[Flip]

Thanks for posting this.

I was wondering myself where the E-brake adjustment was, I wish we didn't have to tear apart the center console to get to it but I guess it could be worse however My TJ E-brake cable was a simplified turn-buckle under the Jeep, I'm no mechanic and I could adjust it literally in 5 min and worked great!

 

[BaconFury]

Frozen, as in iced up???

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

Thanks for posting this.

I was wondering myself where the E-brake adjustment was, I wish we didn't have to tear apart the center console to get to it but I guess it could be worse however My TJ E-brake cable was a simplified turn-buckle under the Jeep, I'm no mechanic and I could adjust it literally in 5 min and worked great!

There are the usual adjustments on the rear wheels that are easy, but your issue sounds like it’s buried under the center console.

I have an odd issue where the handle seems to skip a tooth every now and then cause a “clunk!” when I engage the brake. Someday I’ll poke around under the console, but so far I’m not motivated enough. I have a two door so I imagine taking out my seat will be the only way to reasonably access that area.

 

[hoch]

Mine’s not an adjustment issue. I’ve already adjusted the cable, per my original post. It’s definitely getting hung up somewhere. Like there is a kink in the line.

 

[NJJeep Guy]

The clunk is the drum brakes at the wheel releasing to the open position. Test the cable link going to the back of the wheel drum. It should pull and release smoothly. If it is not moving well take the brake drum off and see if it is caked with debris, or rusting. You may need a shop to replace this brake expander on the backing plate. Jeep doesn't build easily serviceable drum brakes anymore. Good luck

 

[JL120daysinservice]

Hey @hoch any luck on this?
I am having the exact issue, thank yoU!

 

[azjl#3]

Holy crap, that looks exactly like my 1966 Ford Bronco ebrake, with less rust.

 

[LAM]

To me it sounds like it might be binding where the pins come out of the wheels, or inside the brake drum. Set, then release the brake and look under the rear to see if one or both of the cables is very loose - with the pin/tab where the cable hooks pulled out and stuck (just happen to have this picture from yesterday)

The cable here should be loose when the brakes are released but not overly loose.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Mine’s not an adjustment issue. I’ve already adjusted the cable, per my original post. It’s definitely getting hung up somewhere. Like there is a kink in the line.

I know this is an old post, but anyone in the rust belt (salt on the roads) should consider the cables themselves are corroded. You can sometimes get by with good lubrication, but expect to replace them sooner than later. Especially if this is a 2018 or 19.

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