Parking brake has no tension

CMCCLAMMA

MEMBER
1999 JEEP WRANGLER
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
120,000 MILES

When I pull up the emergency brake handle it doesn't click and it doesn't stay in the up position. It doesn't have any tension. It immediately falls down.

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 AT 6:25 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

Do you mean the lever that you lift won't stay in the up position until it's released, or it does, and the brake needs adjusted?

The parking brake lever should ratchet, so if that doesn't happen, it will need to be replaced.

If it is simply adjustment, I attached the directions below for doing it.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 AT 8:56 PM

CMCCLAMMA

MEMBER
25 POSTS

When I pull up or lift the E-brake it does not ratchet and immediately falls down.

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 AT 6:30 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

If it won't hold in place, you could try taking it apart and lubricating it to see if the parking claw releases and holds. If you can't get it to work, it will need to be replaced.

Just to clarify, when you pull up on the lever and hold it in the up position, does the parking brake work? Let me know so I can explain adjustment procedures if needed.

I attached the directions below showing how to replace the lever assembly. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing the procedure or if you have questions. I'll do my best to help you from here.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, November 24th, 2021 AT 8:59 PM

CMCCLAMMA

MEMBER
25 POSTS

So, I was messing with it today and I got it to stay up but only about halfway. But it still does not ratchet like before. In this position it would not hold my jeep in place. If I lift it all the way up it will hold my Jeep in place. Well as long as I don't let go anyways.

I'm comfortable replacing it if that's what is necessary. I might be a woman, but I do all the mechanic work on my vehicle. So far, I've done the entire cooling system, complete tune up, drum brakes (the worst), valve cover gasket, starter, and all the fluids (transmission, oil, transfer case, and front and rear differentials). My next project is the oil pan gasket. Just got to figure out how to maneuver around the exhaust pipe.

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Thursday, November 25th, 2021 AT 12:14 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi,

You've done a lot! And drum brakes can be a pain. LOL, you get used to them.

As far as the parking brake, it sounds like the system works, but the lever will need to be replaced. Were you able to try using something like WD40 on it to see if that helps?

As far as adjustment, the two pics below are the directions. Based on what you have already done, I feel confident you won't have trouble.

Let me know if this helps or if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care and I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.

Joe

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