Problem: I live on a steep incline, and as of lately when I park: put the car in gear, pull the ebrake all the way up... I get out and the car seems like it wants to roll backwards and does a few inches sometimes. A mechanic (from a $ hungry shop) told me I need new rear calipers and e-brake cable. Just wondering, has anyone else has this issue? Do I really need to replace all this or is there a simpler e-brake adjustment I can do?
E-brake problem?
- Thread starter ohdavy1
- Start date
tweakingmsp
Member
- :
- 2003.5 MazdaSPEED Protege
It might just need adjusted. Pull the cover off around the handle and there's a 10mm(I think that's the size) nut down in there that is the adjustment.
haveahotcarl
Member
- :
- 2003 Black Mica MSP
I bet they would be able to change my blinker fluid and rotate the air in my tires for me too! :bs:
I have this problem as well. I've adjusted the nut on the cable inside the car, and it helped a bit, but only for a week or so. Problem came back just as bad as ever. I'm assuming there's more to it than JUST that adjuster nut, unless it's somehow backing off after adjustment. Unfortunately, I can't offer any help past my experience since I still have the issue ! 
There is only one to adjust the e-brake, but the e-brake cable itself sometimes get stuck, so check if it moves freely.
This also might be as simple as worn out pads. Have you checked the gripping power for the rear brakes at all?
Rear calipers are known to seize, and the e-brake cable sometimes get stuck. It isn't the first thing I'd do but you sometimes has to.
This also might be as simple as worn out pads. Have you checked the gripping power for the rear brakes at all?
Rear calipers are known to seize, and the e-brake cable sometimes get stuck. It isn't the first thing I'd do but you sometimes has to.
Hope that everythings works out for you after your adjustment
To test the gripping power, find a shop with a "free brake inspection" sign, they will put it on the machine and test the brake force of your brakes. Ask them nicely to check the E-brake cable as well, they may even tighten the E-brake correctly for you. (If you tighten it too much the rear brakes may get very very hot when driving)
If the problem isn't gone here are some further steps:
Under normal conditions brake pads will last more than a year and a half, but it would still be one of the first things I'd check. Then E-bake cable, then change the E-brake cable and if no of the above works the brake caliper is next.
