97 Parking Brake problem
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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97 Parking Brake problem
Obviously, I have a 1997 Expedition, XLT trim, with the towing package, and rear disc brakes. Is it just me, or does this thing have a crappy parking brake? Here's why I ask.
I have a fairly steep driveway, up and downhill with a gate at the end. When I stop to open or close the gate, the parking brake will only hold if I can get my toe in there to really push it all the way to the floor. So I jacked it up, yanked the rear rotors, and checked the parking brake pads. Both side are in excellent shape. I adjusted them just until they were slightly dragging, just as you would rear drum brakes. I got about 3/4 of a turn on each side, and it doesn't help at all. When I load up the horse trailer and 2 horses, I like to use the parking brake just to make sure. If it will barely hold just my Expy, it obviously doesn't do anything at all with the trailer and horses loaded.
My 1994 Bronco has an auto-adjusting brake at the lever, and that thing will lock up the rear brakes so tight, and I can't even get the pedal 1/2 way to the floor. Just looking for a better option here, or maybe I didn't turn the adjusters enough.
I have a fairly steep driveway, up and downhill with a gate at the end. When I stop to open or close the gate, the parking brake will only hold if I can get my toe in there to really push it all the way to the floor. So I jacked it up, yanked the rear rotors, and checked the parking brake pads. Both side are in excellent shape. I adjusted them just until they were slightly dragging, just as you would rear drum brakes. I got about 3/4 of a turn on each side, and it doesn't help at all. When I load up the horse trailer and 2 horses, I like to use the parking brake just to make sure. If it will barely hold just my Expy, it obviously doesn't do anything at all with the trailer and horses loaded.
My 1994 Bronco has an auto-adjusting brake at the lever, and that thing will lock up the rear brakes so tight, and I can't even get the pedal 1/2 way to the floor. Just looking for a better option here, or maybe I didn't turn the adjusters enough.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Are there not adjuster(s) on the cable(s) itself?
Are you sure that the cable is actually moving the pads? You could just be stretching the heck out of the cable. (I did this once in a different vehicle...)
Are you sure that the cable is actually moving the pads? You could just be stretching the heck out of the cable. (I did this once in a different vehicle...)
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Elder User
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I checked, and could not find any adjustments on the cable, like most other vehicles have. The FORD manual only states adjusting the pads, and nothing else. Hmmm, have to wonder. I know the pads are moving, mainly because if I push the pedal to the floor, it will engage the brake and it won't move on slight inclines. Also, the pedal is quite easy to push for at least the first half of it's travel.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
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From: All over Texas
One of my cables recently snapped leaving not much braking ability. I had it replaced last week under my extended warranty and now have a strong parking brake again. I think you adjust these at the foot pedal, but I may be mistaken.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 54
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From: North Carolina
wife has a 97 expy xlt. same problem, since i do not drive it that often, I have forgotten to release the brake and drove on down the road, light also went out. anyway the problem is the cable as mentioned. needs to be replaced, big difference...
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
My 99 EB 4x4 parking brake doesn't hold the vehicle at all. I have read through the Haynes manual and it only talks about replacing the cable. I have disc brakes in the rear and would like to know if I can adjust (tighten) something to get the parking brake to hold.
I think this is the same problem that adelyser is having.
Ideas or Suggestions??
I think this is the same problem that adelyser is having.
Ideas or Suggestions??
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
I have a 99 expy xlt, after my rear axle seal contaminated my right rear brakes, including my parking brake, I found that there is a rubber plug on the bottom of the backing plate of the brake housing. Behind this plug is a star wheel you can adujut the tension for your parking brake. see if this helps. worked for me.
jason
jason
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 223
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From: York, PA
These rear units have a disc drum brake combination, the outer braking pad is for the everyday stopping, the drum portion is inside, for the parking brake system, you have to remove the disc caliper assembly and pads, then remove the rotor, you will see your parking brake shoes, as has been mentioned at the bottom behind the rubber plug you will see a star on a shaft, rotate for adjustment. These adjusters are NOT self adjusting, they need to be adjusted every once in a while, .02 Broken Wire
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 22
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From: Dallas, TX
Thanks for the guidance on the parking brake adjustment broken wire & fixitjay. I didn't even realize that the rear breaks are both disc (for stopping) and drum (for parking break). Pulling off the rotor is simple and from there the Parking Brake assembly is a typical drum setup. Easy to adjust and all of your help is appreciated.
nstyle
nstyle
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