alternative to fixing the parking brake self adjusting mechanism?

aerovan · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 08:02 PM

well... even swaping in a new spring for the parking brake. overtime the stupid mechanism will overtighten the parking brakes again. i'm thinking of welding the 2 halves of the mechanism together and just completely foregoing the self adjusting feature. what do you guys think??

aerovan · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2006, 10:03 PM

lol! did something that i think cured the stupid over tensioning of the self adjusting mechanism!

i was trying to put 2 springs on the forward cable to see if it will over come the problem. well, while i was pushing the rachet piece forward... i've pushed it way too forward causing the coil spring to stretch beyond its elastic range. now the coil spring doesn't even exert any force on the rachet when the rachet is back in its original position. i just adjust manually by moving the rachet just to put enough tension to keep the equalizer bar in place. the coil spring is pretty much dead weight now. hand brake still works fine. no more dragging the rear brakes!!!

AeroPA · #3 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 01:23 PM

heh. I fixed mine by accident. I pried the coil spring off the pin so I could take the e-brake handle out, and was never able to get it back on.

It was then that I discovered that it works better that way. Now, I just take a screwdriver and crank a notch or two on the ratchet when it starts to get a little loose.

Works for me.

99f350sd · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2006, 10:14 PM

I just put a heavy spring under the van where the cables join..Works great.

Dick

Khufu01 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 08:41 AM

Hello. Digging up this old post, I am having the same problem. Where is a good place to find springs that might work to replace the equalizer spring?
Thanks!

99f350sd · #6 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 08:45 AM

Hardware store where they have a spring selection..The number I used was 60 something...2 of them..

Aeroman59 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 07:32 PM

So far not had this problem on my 96...... the brake lever stays at 1-2 clicks. However when I have the rear brakes out (so far once in 325,000 kms), I lubed up the threads on the adjuster with HT grease.
Is it the adjuster or is the cable binding or seizing? I use my e brake every day to park the vehicle, consistent use stops it seizing. I've never lubed the cables.

R-TypeEman · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 11:08 PM

my parents have never used the handbrake on mine.

the cables rusted out and fell apart, so when i had to replace the rear brakes, i just stripped the remnants of the system out.

still have to remove the handle and weld over the hole.

99f350sd · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 12:45 AM

Has to have an emer brake here or you don't get to drive it..Won't pass inspection.

R-TypeEman · #10 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 01:25 AM

ontario only requires a safety test when selling/buying a vehicle... and most shops here wont touch emergency brakes during the safety check anyway

Khufu01 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:41 AM

We had the rear brake line burst last year while driving the van in a stop from 50 mph so, in our house, having the parking/emergency brake working is a priority. The equalizer spring is gone so I think I'm just going to find a spring and cable clamp to throw on there as suggested in this thread. I'm not sure which hardware store is the best bet to find a miscellaneous spring assortment. I've got a Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, and Ace Hardware relatively close. Any suggestions on where to start?