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View Full Version : E-Brake hangs?


soundman1024
05-31-2008, 01:32 AM
I have an '03 ZX2 and I noticed this week I wasn't rolling on some hills I usually roll on when the clutch is in. I also noticed a bit of noise when the car would stop slowly or start slowly. I assumed I had a brake hanging, and made an appointment to take it to the shop. (I'm not a DIY car person.)

I was talking to a friend of mine who also has an Escort ZX2 (probably 97ish) and asked him if he has ever had any problems with his brakes and he said no. I told him I thought I had one hanging, and he remembered having the same problem. He pointed me to my E-Brake, and so I gave it a light tug upwards, and sure enough there was no tension until it was far enough up for me to have left it there.

He told me he has taken the car to multiple shops and they've all claimed to fix the problem, but none have. The only thing he has found is when driving over bumpy roads it seems to loosen up some until the E-Brake is used again.

To temporarily get myself out of the habit of using the E-Brake I have put gaffers tape over my brake. I was wondering, is this a common issue for a ZX2, and if so how can it be fixed?

iceracer
05-31-2008, 09:37 AM
There are two things that make the parking brake hang up. Cables or the adjuster in the brake. Both are fairly easy to repair.

mechtech
05-31-2008, 05:19 PM
Mine acted up in the insanely cold winter we just had around here [Chicago].
They seem to be fine now.
But like ice said, cables or adjusters.
There ain't much there.

soundman1024
06-01-2008, 10:47 PM
Anywhere in particular the cable often gets snagged up on a ZX2?

iceracer
06-02-2008, 07:51 AM
If the cable is sticking, the only fix is to replace it.

mechtech
06-02-2008, 05:17 PM
Also the return spring may be off or broken.