General Ford Ranger Discussion General discussion of the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

Parking Brake

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Old Jan 18, 2022
  #1  
Patrick Ford's Avatar
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From: Temperance Michigan
Parking Brake

My parking brake is engaged and I have no idea how to disengage it. I heard could be a problem of my 4x4 not working and I just want to fix it.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2022
  #2  
Turismolover22's Avatar
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
Originally Posted by Patrick Ford
My parking brake is engaged and I have no idea how to disengage it. I heard could be a problem of my 4x4 not working and I just want to fix it.
There should be a handle directly above the parking brake pedal, on the driver side kick panel. After pulling this the pedal should swing up towards the dash. If it does not, or after doing so, the brakes are still applied, you will probably have to tear apart the parking brake system and replace the cables. Over time the sheaths get worn down by the leaf spring and the axle by design of how they were placed, and this causes the cable housings to rust and bind the cables. It's entirely possible to remove the cables out of the truck, and quite literally "whip" them "into shape" (pun intended). By flexing the housings around, out of the truck, its possible to break the cables free if they are rusted. However, the entire e-brake cable system is available on RockAuto for less than 100 bucks, and I would personally go that route before trying to repair rusted cables that will likely rust again.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2022
  #3  
RonD's Avatar
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From: Vancouver, BC
Older parking brake cables can get water inside, through worn out seals at the ends
When winter comes around that water can freeze inside the cable after parking over night so when you want to release the Parking brake the cables can't move
You can try flexing the cables to break loose ice inside
Try a hair drier to heat up the cables

Once they release don't use the Parking brake
Once temps are above freezing you can, and you can also spray lube into cable ends to try and displace any water, the lube won't freeze
 
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Old Jan 21, 2022
  #4  
DILLARD000's Avatar
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Extreme Cold+Snow+Ice can do weird+unexpected things to Machines.
A warm garage overnight might help as well.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2022
  #5  
Luke Blandamer's Avatar
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From: Purcell
I just replaced every cable on my 2000 Ford Ranger 3.0 5speed 4x4. If you need any heads up about what you're getting yourself into if you need to replace a cable or two let me know!
 
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Old Aug 29, 2022
  #6  
Bobbyds1's Avatar
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From: Trenton, NJ
parking brake release issue

I just replaced the 2 rear parking brake cables and adjusted everything problem is when i apply the paring brake it holds the truck. Upon releasing parking break petal returs to up position but parking brakes are still partially engaged. 1994 ford ranger 4.olitre any help would be appreciated. By the way all rear brake parts are brand new.

Thanks
 
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Old Aug 29, 2022
  #7  
RonD's Avatar
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From: Vancouver, BC
Loosen the Star wheel on both wheels, doesn't need to be much but enough so its not engaged
Don't press brake pedal, engine off

Hold out park brake release handle and pump the park brake pedal until it gets tight, i.e. you will feel resistance higher and higher on each pedal press and then it won't change to any higher
Park Brakes are now adjusted


 
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