Parking Brake Stuck on at driver side rear

[Dallas Hunt]

Went to leave the driveway the other day and couldn't move... Passenger side wheel dug a nice hole in the gravel while driver side was just dragging. Tried pulling on the cable and it seems to be working properly, clean, not catching or rusty. Anyone know if this is an easy fix? I've never worked on my car but I do have tools. The parking brake has stuck before but usually I just start giving it a little gas and she releases. On a side note, my Dad had his ranger parked here for a few days as well and his parking brake stuck as well. Just put his in drive though and it popped out like mine usually does... well not this time, she is stuck real good!



Thanks for any help!



Black 01 4x4 142K

 

[Todd Z]

Sounds like it needs the lube points cleaned, drums cut or replaced and new shoes and hardware..... Could have a leaky cylinder or axle seal.



For a first timer doing drum brakes is a nightmare.... i would let a pro do it.



Todd Z

 

[Dallas Hunt]

Thanks for the advice Todd. I took the tire off and obviously couldn't see much or get passed the drum to see anything that helps determine the problem. I'm going to keep scouring the internet this weekend and tow it in Tuesday if I can't figure it out by then.



Would it be a terrible idea to drag it to the concrete and jerk it around some more to try and break it loose. I wouldn't want to do more harm than good.

 

[Richard L]

Snowbro,

You have a rusted/corroded E-brake cable. you should be able to free it by disconnecting it at the Y where the E-brake pedal cable connects. Lube the heck out of the cable, and try to back off the shoes through the adjustment slot. Wheel cylinders have nothing to do with your e-brakes. E-brakes are mechanically operated by the cable, and not hydraulic pressure.



...Rich

 

[Dallas Hunt]

The cable is moving freely before it 'disappears' into the 'Y' but I'll take another look at it and mess around with disconnecting and try to find the adjustment slot you mentioned.

 

[Richard L]

Snowbro,

If the cable is moving freely, then the jam or corrosion is in the drum. For that to happen the parking brake had to be on for a long time, or somethingh is jammed or broken??



I would disconnect the e-brake cable at the Y, back off the brake shoes through the adjustment slot on the lower part of the backing plate (usually covered by a black rubber slot cover) If that does not work, you may have to put the truck in neutral and rock it, or drag it to pop clear the jam. Until you get the e-brake to internally release, I'm not sure how you will get the drum off to fix the problem? I don't think a brake drum puller will work if the e-brake is stuck and cannot be released?



...Rich

 

[EddieS'04]

I suspect the arm that pulls the rear brake shoe, into the park posistion is rusted frozen. You could try raping with a hammer on the backing plate. Dont bang it hard. Or you will warp the backing plate.

 

[Dallas Hunt]

My ST usually sits about 1-2 weeks with the break engaged between uses (weekend dump runs or trips to the hardware store etc) Up until recently it was always on flat ground. Now that we've moved I'm forced to park on a slight incline. I always had a habit of using the parking brake even when not necessary so the 'use it or lose it' sadly didn't work for me here...



Yeah the cable is definitely not the problem. I can actually hear it moving whatever it connects to back in the drum/wheel plate area. I haven't messed with the adjustment slot yet. I need to find a picture or something online so I know a little better what I'm looking for. If I can back off the brake shoes like Rick suggested I'll then try rocking it and tapping with a hammer. I've dug my passenger side tire into the gravel now so I guess if I can get this thing loose I'll just park in the hole from now on and the break will not be necessary

 

[EddieS'04]

Do a search on you tube. You will find info on rear drum brakes. the design of most is the same. some small variance. The technology hasnt changed in 50yrs.

 

[Dallas Hunt]

Good idea Eddie - Thanks

 

[Dallas Hunt]

I was able to finally get the drum off. Backing off the 'star' adjuster and banging around with a hammer and a little help from a pry bar did the trick beautifully. Now, everything seems to be working properly as far as I can tell??? Break shoes move just fine. Springs push/pull, cables move? I'm thinking of spraying some WD-40 on everything except the shoes. Any other suggestions?