Hi all,
I have a 1994 3.0 4x2 ranger.
When I step on the e-brake it tightens up (and stops the vehicle) but then the petal gives way and hits the floor and the e-brake is disengaged.
My idea is that the issue is somewhere near the petal..
Its not a snapped cable :\ any ideas? I'm not versed in e-brake mechanics, hoping to be pointed in the right direction!
After 20 pages of google I figure this topic is thread worthy :)
Thanks


On a sub note: though this is my first post I have been a lurker for a long time. You guys have helped me fix my windows, brake lines, disk/drum brakes, wheel cylinders and I'm sure I missed a couple other things.
This really is a great site with great people. Thanks again

 

Take a look at the cable assembly it runs to a bracket under the cab bolted to the frame rail then branches off to each rear wheel. It is adjustable for when the brakes on the rear wear and can sometimes pop out of the bracket causing similar symptoms. Also could be in the pedal assembly itself the cables just kinda pop in and i believe there is a small retainer. You should be able to adjust them up and get correct pedal feel back.

 

Hrmm, cant see anyway to open up the parking brake assembly to see the problem, I'm guessing its either the gear or pawl in the ratchet:



| Repair Guides | Parking Brake | Cable | AutoZone.com

does anyone know if this is serviceable or do i need to buy a new assembly?

 

UPDATE:

found this online, does this mean if i bring it to a dealer they will fix it for free?:

https://repairpal.com/recall/94V169001

Recall ID # 94V169001 - PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
Recall Date:
SEP 07, 1994
Model Affected:
1994 FORD RANGER
Summary:
THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE RACHET.
Consequence:
WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR.
Remedy:
A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
Potential Units Affected:
835791
Notes:
FORD MOTOR COMPANY

 

How do you adjust the cable in the pedal? Mine is so loose it hangs below the cab and will barely get teh brake shoes to touch the drums.

 

My '94 is pretty much in the same boat as others in this thread. There's so much slack in the cable that it's pretty much worthless. Throwing out a boat anchor is probably a better option.
I've crawled under my truck more than a few times, and can't find any sort of adjustment for that goofy cable. Is the bracket where the cable forks possibly able to slide along the frame to give some adjustment?? Is there any adjustment you can make inside the drum?

Jimmie

 

To clarify my cable is tight and usually works properly, it seems like the petal gives way randomly.
I still havent figure this out, I'm going to call ford next week.

As for the fellows whos cables are loose I would start with checking your drum brakes in the back. Is anything worn out back there?
here is a link so you dont hijack my thread
Adjusting E Brake - Ford Ranger Forum

 

Hmmm. Sorry about the thread hijack, donjek (James?). I guess I didn't totally understand the prob you were describing, and thought it was similar to the "stretched cable" syndrome my own '94 has.

I looked in my newly acquired digital" shop manual in the "Brakes" section, to see if it might have something that could help you. I wasn't able to see that the parking brake assy. is serviceable once it's removed, if I'm understanding my manual correctly. I hope I'm wrong about that, and hope you are able to come up with a fix. I wish I were able to post the parking brake section of that manual for you to see. My manual is one of those "downloadable" manuals for around $5 or so, and I'm still learning to navigate in the goofy thing. FWIW, it's not been much help on the problem with my truck's e-brake, either. There's a youtube video out that possibly might help that problem....

Good Luck on this, and please let us know if/how it gets resolved?

Jimmie

 

I'll let you know when I bring it to the dealership.
Has anyone had the "wedge" installed from the dealership?
This is what I suspect my problem is.

http://www.supermotors.net/registry/2742/54322-2

for the stretched cable I would try to adjust the adjusting screw

I have a hanyes (sp?) manual that shows how to adjust the parking break, so I think your digital manual should have it. if you cant find it i will take a couple pics for you