My e-brake doesn't work at all. Where do I start looking for problems?

 

look along the frame rail on the driver side and see if the cable is snapped or not.. like mine currently is.

 

Is the cable metal and located next to the frame? If it is, then it's not snapped.

 

is the cable sagging?

 

It's a tad bit loose.

 

Just went out and tried it, it works a little bit. I can easily push it back with it on, but you can tell that it's trying to stop.

 

If you e-brake doesn't work the rear brakes can be out of adjustment or worn. You can try to get them to self adjust if they are not frozen. To do this go to an empty parking lot or street and back up at a maybe 15 mph and then get on the brakes firmly and come to a complete stop. Do this about 3 time and see what the brakes feel like. I have to do this every month or so because I tend to shift from reverse to first without coming to a complete stop when backing out of my driveway so my rear brakes don't adjust. If that doesn't work you will have to pull the drums and look at the adjuster and the cable.

 

Hmm, that sounds easier and more fun than taking it all apart.

 

make sure the cable splits. here ill go snap a few photos. brb.

 

Check this spot and make sure both pieces are there..

hence mine is minssing..



and it connects to here:




just an idea..

 

Not quite sure what that one is. I'll have to go look.

On a side not the driving fast in reverse didn't do anything. After I put the break on to see if I could get out and push it and as soon as I opened the door I was rolling backwards.

 

i just got my new cable from ford today.. now to get it on.

 

I would make sure your adjusters on your rear brakes are not frozen. You can try to turn them through the access hole in the backing plate or take of the drum and do it by hand. If they didn't self adjust by doing that you have more problems to deal with.

 

X2

Welcome to winter and having a Ranger.....LOL

 

I'm pretty sure my breaks can't freeze if its not freezing outside...

Also I checked the line and it was going through all the different wholes just fine.