Parking brake stuck
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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Likes: 1
Parking brake stuck
Good afternoon everybody.
I have just realized that the parking brake on my 2005 F250 with 135k miles is stuck. I've had the truck for about a month, but have just now realized it. I don't always set the parking brake, but do use it occasionally. When I pull away after having it set, there is a very loud high pitched squeak that lasts until I pick up speed. Also, at lower speeds, I can hear the squeak coming from the rear wheel(s). It's just not nearly as loud. I can also feel the pull of the brakes. Earlier today, I was headed down a fairly steep hill around 35mph, but was losing speed rather than gaining it. When I get on the highway, it is impossible for me to reach 60mph without going over 2500 rpm. I can maybe get to 45mph before I really have to step on it to gain speed. I am certain the brake is stuck.
What is the best way to diagnose this problem and replace the offending part?
Thanks you.
I have just realized that the parking brake on my 2005 F250 with 135k miles is stuck. I've had the truck for about a month, but have just now realized it. I don't always set the parking brake, but do use it occasionally. When I pull away after having it set, there is a very loud high pitched squeak that lasts until I pick up speed. Also, at lower speeds, I can hear the squeak coming from the rear wheel(s). It's just not nearly as loud. I can also feel the pull of the brakes. Earlier today, I was headed down a fairly steep hill around 35mph, but was losing speed rather than gaining it. When I get on the highway, it is impossible for me to reach 60mph without going over 2500 rpm. I can maybe get to 45mph before I really have to step on it to gain speed. I am certain the brake is stuck.
What is the best way to diagnose this problem and replace the offending part?
Thanks you.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: NH
First off, continuing to drive it will overheat the rotor/pads etc.. This could, depending on how long you have been driving it this way may cause you to have to replace the pads/rotor etc.. as well as possibly causing the wheel bearing/seal to fail depending on how hot it has gotten.
The fact that you don't use it often and possibly the previous owner as well is the cause. In order to keep the P brake from seizing it has to be used on a regular basis. I went thru 3 brake cable set-ups on my 94 bronco because i never used it but had to have it function during inspection specifically because it was a manual tranny.
You will probably have to remove the wheels to at least free it up and then either have the cable replaced or just don't use it again. You can try freeing it up by spraying WD-40 or similar into the cable at exit and entry points but don't count on it. Once it starts to rust it's can be pretty much useless. Many times it will engage when you apply it but may only release a little or not at all.
The fact that you don't use it often and possibly the previous owner as well is the cause. In order to keep the P brake from seizing it has to be used on a regular basis. I went thru 3 brake cable set-ups on my 94 bronco because i never used it but had to have it function during inspection specifically because it was a manual tranny.
You will probably have to remove the wheels to at least free it up and then either have the cable replaced or just don't use it again. You can try freeing it up by spraying WD-40 or similar into the cable at exit and entry points but don't count on it. Once it starts to rust it's can be pretty much useless. Many times it will engage when you apply it but may only release a little or not at all.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Good luck. I agree with the above, you need to check that out ASAP before you screw up the axle seal, bearings, brakes, rotor, etc. Getting the rear rotor off with a stuck brake won't be fun. The e-brake is a drum in hat design, so it's a standard drum brake set up inside the middle of the rotor. There is a rubber plug you can remove on the inside of the rotor to adjust the wheel on the e-brake, but if it's been sticking for a while, the rotor won't come off easy.
