backdraft e-brake

robert montvill · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 07:16 AM

Just bought the car, can anyone tell me how to adjust the e-brake. thanks

madmaxx · #2 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 07:48 AM

The ebrake is incorporated into the rear disc as a drum brake. Easy to adjust, remove wheel, remove two screws on rear brake rotor, remove rotor and adjust shoes until they are about to contract the rotor when the rotor is reinstalled. It is self explanatory when you get into it. I would adjust so they barely rub and let them wear in as you drive. Once worn in you will have the ebrake as good as you can get it which is marginal at best.

Speedysnake · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 08:44 AM

You can also remove one stud from the rotor & access the star wheel through the stud hole. There is an adjustment on the cable at the E-brake handle also.

Cashburn · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 12:26 PM

Where did you buy it? E-brake should be functioning from the dealer.

SKINNEDR · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2008, 07:07 PM

Same problem I have with my car. Hope to deal with it this winter if I can wait that long.
IT does not hold he car back on a incline..
Dex......

Cashburn · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2008, 06:30 AM

One thing to verify. On some of the older cars there is a problem with the button and not the handle. It has a tendency to stick, so when you pull the handle back it does not engage. Usually at this point you are over extending it and in that motion you bend it to the point of no return.

If you are pulling the handle up and it is not "clicking"... try using your other hand to pull the button out so it can engage.

When they are first setup they generally hold well, over time some adjustment is necessary either at the cables or at the shoes as Maxx outlined.

mln385 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 08:00 AM

Seems to be a common issue with these cars...mine does not work either even brought back to dealer for warranty repair and still does not hold on an incline.

Cashburn · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 08:51 AM

We have discovered many customers bringing them in, reporting they stopped functioning, and when we pull everything apart the area is full of dust and the pads are smoked... a sign that they have driven around for 100 or so miles with the brake on or partially on.

Remember to disengage those handles fully when pulling out...

Also, if you are pulling and pulling and it is not engaging or holding then something is wrong. Stop there, pulling harder and and harder will do nothing but bend brackets and guides and render the whole assembly difficult to repair... often resulting in replacement.

Any of these sound familiar?

mln385 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 04:29 PM

Well if you remember Jay I mentioned I adjusted them twice and both times they worked until I went down the road a few miles and then when I came home and tried it - it did not hold. So I had you look at it you told me there was dust and you fxed it however same issue when I got home.

Now since my other toy is a 5 speed as well and I have never had this issue I don't believe it is because I am riding with the e-brake on...however it might be possible that the mechanism inside the drum isn't releasing thus the pads getting worn.

Either way I will fix my own car ... however it is interesting how others have the same issue over and over.

Jay did you ever send out the inner rocker carpet cover repairs??

Blittleton · #10 (**permalink**) 05-10-2009, 06:08 PM

Robert,

You may need to add a gusset to the park brake bracket on the bottom side of your Backdraft. It tends to bend while applying the park brake.

If you have adjusted the park brakes in the rear once, then twice then you know something else is the problem. This is a very easy fix. Just need to add a gusset on each side to prevent movement.

Bill

joe g · #11 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 06:54 PM

Mine still works fine after 8000 miles. It will lock the rear wheel up
joeg

mln385 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 05:15 PM

Wish I could say the same 1800 miles here and hasn't worked from beginning.

Cashburn · #13 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 05:42 PM

How did you pass state inspection?

mln385 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 05:50 AM

Old saying ...not what you know but......

joe g · #15 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 02:55 PM

From a 15mph roll mine will lock up the wheel
joeg

roadking6900 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-27-2009, 07:38 PM

Just to add to this post, I just purchased a new 2008 BackDraft Cobra, the emergency brake has not worked for me at all. Adjusted the cable and I began getting a rubbing noise from the mechanisms on the brakes but still no emergency brake. From what I've been reading, it appears the best thing to do is pull the wheels and inspect it myself.