Parking Brake Issues

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Sep 17, 2014 | 08:51 AM

straightexhaust

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Senior User

Joined: Oct 2005

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Parking Brake Issues

I have a 2001 F-350 Diesel 4x4 crew cab 8ft bed dually 7.3 diesel 6 speed. The issue is that the parking brake pedal is extremely hard to push. One day it pushed down and ratcheted into a locked position as normal and the next day I couldn't push it more than an inch down. I have rear disc brakes with internal drums in the rotors for the parking brake assembly. I replaced the shoes and hardware (which were fine) and I still have the same issue. I removed the front single cable from where it splits into the two rear ones and the foot pedal depresses smoothly and with the touch of a finger with no load on it. What else is it? The only other thing is one of the rear cables unless I am missing something?

Thanks

Sep 17, 2014 | 11:37 AM

droldsmorland

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 1,825

Likes: 43

From: Land of Taxes

You likely answered your question. Its likely the rear cables. To see for sure try actuating them with the front cable disconnected. You should be able to move either with relative ease. You may want to disconnect from the shoe assembly too.

Sep 17, 2014 | 12:19 PM

David7.3

Postmaster

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 3,206

Likes: 3

From: Oakhust NJ Jersey Shore

The actuators that spread the shoes are a known failing point, they seize up and usually the shoe kit comes with them. if not PB blaster and alittle elbow grease will get em moving

Sep 17, 2014 | 12:28 PM

WADE MMT/PSD

Former Vendor

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 17,141

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From: Walpole MA

I soaked my actuators in Fluid Film over night and cleaned the brake dust out of the rear wheels as best I could. Has been working great since then. That was two years ago.