E Brake

**GYSOT1** · 07-16-2019

I am having an issue with the e brake.

Symptom: Pushing the e-brake pedal all the way to the floor and it won't grab.

What I did so far:
tightened up the cable under the rear of the car. (Helped a little and now the pedal only pushes about 4 inches or so)
Replaced almost worn out pads (helped a lot more)
Passenger side locks up tight
Driver side tightens but I can still spin the wheel.

What else could cause this?

**bandook** · 07-16-2019

You might need to replace the rear section of the cable where it T's off to each wheel. They rust out, at least my car did. I think there is a bias adjustment in the rear section you could mess with first. The whole cable assembly isn't that expensive.

**Scottydoggs** · 07-16-2019

did you use the adjuster star wheel to make the e brake pads about dragging the rotor when its put back on?

the C clips that hold the cable ends in place at rear spindles also rust out, fall out and the cable is now slack and no brake on one side. i had the clip go bye bye, used a hose clampto keep it in place. been there 3-4 years now. my ebrake works like a champ.

**GYSOT1** · 07-16-2019

Ya, they were dragging when installed, but I'll have to test it again after driving for a bit. I'll also look for that c clip. Thanks.

**Scottydoggs** · 07-16-2019

this fell apart, and the clip fell off, now theres a clamp on the rusty tube side the cable slide through. right side hooks to the e brake on that hook.

**BillBoost37** · 07-16-2019

With three cars and possibly two different ebrake setups available....I'm wondering is this a drum or caliper based ebrake? You mention replacing worn out pads, that'll only help if you have the caliper setup. In the 04+ with caliper setup IIRC there were a few folks that had to replace the caliper because the ebrake wasn't working properly in it. Not 100% sure though.

If it's a drum setup, pull the disc and look at the horseshoe ebrake and replace if necessary or adjust via the hole in the backing plate like Scott mentions.