Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) E-brake broke....fix?

[Tmartin000]

Fellas,



I broke my e-brake. The darn thing released yesterday and now their is no clicking or tension kept on the peddal. The peddal still will apply brakes, but now the mechanism won't latch.



How can I fix this? I love a manual transmission for durability, but it sucks as a brake!!



thanks,



TJ

 

[dremelts]

You can remove the pedal mechanism and check to see if the little spring that forces the pawl into the ratchet teeth is broken or missing, or maybe the pawl is just gummed up and you can just clean it an get it working again.



But, are you ever going to trust your parking brake again???? Twice I have had mine let loose all by itself! I've removed the mechanism and cleaned and inspected it but can't find anything wrong. Now I always make sure that it is in first gear when I park and if I need to get out while it is running in neutral I chock the wheel.

 

[Tmartin000]

Removal?

Thanks. That chocking idea sounds like a good one.



I hate this parking brake mechanism. I'm a bit reluctant to take the thing apart..... but have nothing to loose at this point.



Where do I begin. I see that an electrical white buss bar is in the way. I guess I remove this first? Then look for bolts/screws holding the thing together?



TJ

 

[dremelts]

As I recall, I don't think I had to remove or disconnect any electrical wiring on mine. Just remove the side kick panel, disconnect the release lever and find the 2 or 3 bolts holding it in. I also removed the sill plate so that I could access the brake cable hold-down.



Removing and replacing the brake cable from the spring loaded mechanism was the most difficult. But, you may not have to remove the brake cable to just inspect and/or clean the rachet mechanism.



Once you get the mechanism out there is really nothing that you can disassemble on it because it is riveted.



Regards,

Dave

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Mine took a trip down hill once NEVER trust your Rams parking brake... . Set the brake,leave it in 1st,curb your wheel and keep your fingers crossed... . A few Rams have made unplanned trips down boat ramps:{ . Looks like another recall coming... .

 

[dremelts]

Originally posted by PUMPERDUDE

... Looks like another recall coming... .

Anybody who has had this happen to them should file a report with NHTSA because it IS a safety related issue and they can only force a recall if they are aware of the problem.



Regards,

Dave