Hey guys-
I'm worried about my ebrake. Let's say I'm on an incline. i put my foot on the brake, shift into neutral, and apply the ebrake. I pull the lever up all the way, and my car will still roll away. I don't know what's going on. Any ideas?

 

Needs to be adjusted or checked for broken cables. The adjustment is up in the trans tunnel under the car where the single cable splits into two, or at least on mine it is. Another thing is to see if the cable(s) are still in their guides in the trans tunnel.

 

thanks

I took my car in for trans work and it hasnt worked since. I need to take it back to them for a warranty thing, i'll have them look at it.

 

And pre-1988 rear calipers require periodic lubrication of the caliper actuator screws and levers with clean brake fluid. I'm sure I do mine once a year when I lubricate everything else on and under the body.

 

Also, if you have drum brakes, the mechanism may not be self-adjusting properly. You can remove the drums to inspect and adjust the adjuster wheel by hand. Extend the brake shoes until they just drag on the drums and check the cable adjustment. That should get the e-brake working again.

 

well...

I went to take a look at my rear drums..and what did I find?
a dry-rotted wheel cylinder!
So I replaced them (pass and driver) and no dice on the ebrake

I looked in my chilton, and it looked like the adjusting screw thing was by the handle under the console, but its not exactly clear. is that correct?

 

Not sure about the handle but under the car on mine is where one is.

 

In the tunnel above the drive shaft.

JamesC

 

thanks guys

 

When the cable is properly ajusted, it should be slightly taught. If it alreay is, and theres no slack in the cable, then the problem likely resides elsewhere.