2002 Emergency Brake Problems
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2002 Emergency Brake Problems
May have two problems. Emergency brake lever will not lock in any position. Lift up on the handle and it will not stay up. Can't feel any rachet action when it is raised but the release button is not stuck it still seems ok. Had my wife pull up on handle while I checked the cables both cables are moving but the emergency brakes won't hold.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I can't speak for the ratchet lock mechanism, rather for the adjustments to make the brakes work. Do it the "old-school" way. Remove the rear rotors one at a time and manually adjust the shoes the old way and stopping each time to slide the rotor back on. Ideally they should just barely go back on. In the old days, you would adjust them externally via a small window on the inside of the axle assembly so that you would hear the slight but constant "shushing" type sound, from both of the rear wheels and you were all set to go. In those days, you didn't want to over-do it either as too much, would just burn off the shoes. That will happen nowadays too if you aren't careful. Mine never worked from day one from the dealer. The dealer replaced the shoes, re-adjusted several times per the repair manuals and they not once held the car. I gave up with them and did it the old way,...no more problem ever.
Former Vendor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Riviera Beach FL
It sounds like the ratchet at the base of the handle is is gummed up or rusty. If you remove the carpet around the handle you can see if it is working by placing a small mirror between it and the tunnel.
