Emergency Brake Won't Catch
- Thread starter Gebo
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2002
- Messages
- 4,623
If the handle simply won't hold when you pull it up then you may either need a new handle assembly or just replace the spring and button on the old handle. Either way, something has come loose inside of the handle and the ratchet isn't grabbing any longer and needs to be disassembled and investigated.
1. Zip ties/ratchet strap to hold it.
2. Wheel chocks
3. I'm pretty sure the pawl that locks the parking brake is located near the mechanism itself, as you can hear it audibly click when in the car. If it's a handbrake, you'll probably have to pull the center console to get to it. If it is a foot brake, you might be able to examine the mechanism by looking under the dash.
2. Wheel chocks
3. I'm pretty sure the pawl that locks the parking brake is located near the mechanism itself, as you can hear it audibly click when in the car. If it's a handbrake, you'll probably have to pull the center console to get to it. If it is a foot brake, you might be able to examine the mechanism by looking under the dash.
JHZR2
Staff member
Will it catch and hold in any position? Trying to determine if it's the mechanism or the pad adjustment.
Old Subaru's had a habit of doing this, if the button still has spring to it you may be able to lube it with WD40.
First down the button with it depressed and second in front of the mechanism through the slit in the boot at the base of the handle.
WD40 will liquefy the hardened grease which may be holding the pawl back and not stink up the car like other penetrating fluids. work the button and the mechanism by jerking the handle up firmly and let it slap down a few times, If that doesn't work its time for a look see.
First down the button with it depressed and second in front of the mechanism through the slit in the boot at the base of the handle.
WD40 will liquefy the hardened grease which may be holding the pawl back and not stink up the car like other penetrating fluids. work the button and the mechanism by jerking the handle up firmly and let it slap down a few times, If that doesn't work its time for a look see.
Originally Posted by JHZR2
Will it catch and hold in any position? Trying to determine if it's the mechanism or the pad adjustment.
Won't hold in any position. Sometimes when I pull the handle up, I can feel and hear it barely scraping over the little teeth.
Will it catch and hold in any position? Trying to determine if it's the mechanism or the pad adjustment.
Won't hold in any position. Sometimes when I pull the handle up, I can feel and hear it barely scraping over the little teeth.
Originally Posted by Trav
Old Subaru's had a habit of doing this, if the button still has spring to it you may be able to lube it with WD40.
First down the button with it depressed and second in front of the mechanism through the slit in the boot at the base of the handle.
WD40 will liquefy the hardened grease which may be holding the pawl back and not stink up the car like other penetrating fluids. work the button and the mechanism by jerking the handle up firmly and let it slap down a few times, If that doesn't work its time for a look see.
A little lube was also my thought of the first thing to try .
Old Subaru's had a habit of doing this, if the button still has spring to it you may be able to lube it with WD40.
First down the button with it depressed and second in front of the mechanism through the slit in the boot at the base of the handle.
WD40 will liquefy the hardened grease which may be holding the pawl back and not stink up the car like other penetrating fluids. work the button and the mechanism by jerking the handle up firmly and let it slap down a few times, If that doesn't work its time for a look see.
A little lube was also my thought of the first thing to try .
If that does not fix it , I would look to source a replacement assembly at a wrecking yard or RockAuto.com .
the e-brake handle assembly needs to be replaced. Sounds like the ratchet is worn.
Probably a good time to replace the cables also, since they are likely stretched over the years.
Probably a good time to replace the cables also, since they are likely stretched over the years.
- Status
