'89 Emergency Brake Adjustment

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Jan 30, 2010 | 09:16 PM

Crick07

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'89 Emergency Brake Adjustment

Is there anyway to tighten up the emergency brake cable on a 1989 Ranger 2-wheel drive? When I got under and looked, it appeared as if the only adjustment was to tighten/loosen the right rear wheel in relation to the left.

Thanks
Ryan

Jan 31, 2010 | 07:01 AM

powersmoked

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From: Boston, MA

I am not positive how to adjust the e brake. I do however know that if your rear drums are not adjusted properly the ebrake will not work as well

Jan 31, 2010 | 12:21 PM

Rangerman Stan

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From: SE Michigan

Crick07, you're correct about the left to right e-brake adjustment which can help you even out the brake application. Try to adjust the cable to be as equal as possible between left & right so you'll have the e-brake work the best. And like "powersmoked" said, they will work the best if both rear brakes are properly adjusted with shoe to drum clearance. When adjusting the rear brakes you want the shoe to just barely touch or drag on the drum so they don't have far to travel when you push on the brake pedal or the emergency brake. This is what helps get the most from the e-brake. There is no actual adjustment available on the cables or the foot lever. All the cables are put together at a set length and that's it. Make sure your cables are free moving in both directions so they will release the brake like they should when you want them to. When they get older they like to get rusty and hang up in the set position.

Jan 31, 2010 | 10:15 PM

R031Kona

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From: The 'Loops

Sorry but there is a adjustment

Ranger is similar

Feb 1, 2010 | 10:29 AM

Rangerman Stan

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From: SE Michigan

RO31 Kona: Sorry, but I was referring to what is actually there on my 91 super cab. There is no adjuster like in your diagram and no equalizer of that design. There is only one cable with adjustment and it goes to the right drum. The cable to the left drum is directly part of the main cable from the foot lever with no adjustment capability. I see in your illustration it says "Ranger is similar". What is your illustration actually of and for what year? I suppose the gen 1 Rangers might be similar to the picture, but the gen 2 Rangers I have had and or worked on are not similar in that respect.

Feb 1, 2010 | 03:57 PM

R031Kona

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From: The 'Loops

The e brake on my 91 super cab you actually just adjust the one side, sorry for not being clear.

Feb 3, 2010 | 10:21 AM

jimandmandy

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From: Running Springs CA

Some years/models do have an automatic cable tensioner. I know because I used to work for the company that made them for Ford Truck and Bus division. Its adjustment range is very small.

Chances are that the automatic brake adjuster inside the drum assembly may be stuck or worn. Anyway, try to adjust them by backing up and hitting the brakes. Do this several times.

Jim