conradl

The emergency brake on my '95 GLE is not gripping strong enough to pass inspection. Does anyone know a simple way to adjust it to make it better? Thanks.

Chickan

iTrader: (12)

if you pull up the leather around the ebrake handle, you should be able to get at a metal ratching type wheel, that allows for a decent amount of adjustment. Helped greatly on my old Z

conradl

I tried adjusting the nut. It helps, but there isn't enough play left to adequately solve the problem. Any other suggestions?

twiggy144

I think one of ( or both) the rear caliper are shot, or the ebrake cable is seized on one or both sides. Had the same problem. Had to replace caliper and ebrake cable on right side.

slizan99

iTrader: (1)

replace the e-brake cables.

Chickan

iTrader: (12)

or is it possible to adjust the emergency brake pads? It was on my old 300ZX, you just had to jack up the rear wheels, turn the wheel around, and find a small screw plate that allowed it to be adjusted. Get a factory service manual, or perhaps even a haynes manual, and it should outline the exact procedure.

Frank Fontaine

Sounds like the cables to me. On our cars the cable pulls on the rear caliper. Maybe what you had on the 300ZX was a set of brake shoes inside the rotors, like on Volvos (or at least older ones).

Lupin

Has anyone every replaced the e-brake cables?

I have to replace mine and the dealer wants 2hrs for this job. If available please let me know if there is a site that offers instructions on how to do this.
Thanks

twiggy144

I changed my right side ebrake cable.

The ebrake balancer is right in the middle of the car , so jacking only the rear end didn’t give me enough room to work under the car. I jacked all 4 corners. The balancer is located behind (above) a heat shield. Remove the 4 screws of the heat shield. Bend one flap of the heat shield ( I bent right side) , and pivot it around the b-exhaust pipe. Be careful not to hit the post cat o2 sensor with the heat shield like I did. I ended up having to replace the broken o2 sensor as well. Remove the exhaust pipe support bracket out of the way ( 2 small bolts to remove). Disconnect the muffler’s 3 rubber hangers ( 2 at rear, one more behind the rear right wheel).This will lower all exhaust pipes and allow more room to work around the balancer. The removed heat shield will expose the ebrake balancer where you have to disconnect the ebrake cable. Unbolt the balancer from the car frame. From here, it is easy to disconnect the ebrake cable. Pretty straight forward from here. Simply follow the cable through to the caliper. A couple of other metal gards to remove in the way, if I remember. A couple of other cable attachments screws.
If you dont have enough ebrake cable slack to attach to the caliper, release the adjusting nut under the ebrake handle leather boot. Readjust as required.

It took me like 3 hours. I recommend doing it yourself if you can raise the whole car at least 8 inches.

Lupin

Thanks twiggy144

the job sounds pretty detailed. I am definitely going to do this myself but i think it might take me a bit longer than 3 hours. Are there any special things that i should be looking for when disconnecting the old cable or reconnecting the new cable to the caliper? Do i have to take the caliper off ?

Lupin

twiggy144

Caliper can stay on. Spray some penetrating oil on the 4 heat shield screws. Dont bend the ratchet on them, it will break the small screws. I broke one. Use the ratchet straight, or even better use a closed end wrench. Use a socket and ratchet to have more leverage while turning the bolt where the ebrake cable attaches onto the caliper. It is held back by a spring. Remove the spring, that will help. Connect the cable. reinstall the spring after. When you see it, you will understand what I mean.

Good luck! Post back your experience !

Lupin

Thanks for the insight and i'll most definitely post my experience. If along the way you remember some small details that may help feel free to send it over.

Lupin

thekenone

if the rear pads are bad then the e brake won't hold
our cars don't have seperate pads for e brake.