E-brake not holding
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: madison, wisconsin
My parking Brake does not hold well and I consider it to be a safety issue. Hopefully someone here has a solution.
I have to park in 1st or R (obviously a good practice) and pull hard on the handbrake to hold on my 2012 JKU from rolling down my slightly steeper than typical driveway. (brake + 2nd will not hold) Took it to the dealer and they replaced part of the handbrake lever mechanism that was bent. It held a little better for about a week (more positive "clicks", smoother) but then reverted to the pre-"fix" state. I followed up with the dealer and they said "that is how jeep build it" and the brake was "working properly". They also said to aggressively set the handbrake... in my case means pull until it feels like something is going to bend or brake.
Searching here some it seems hit-or-miss with brake adjustment. There is a short thread talking about adding a reinforcement plate to the handbrake ratchet mechanism. I may try that after I run out of warranty. .
-Jim
I have to park in 1st or R (obviously a good practice) and pull hard on the handbrake to hold on my 2012 JKU from rolling down my slightly steeper than typical driveway. (brake + 2nd will not hold) Took it to the dealer and they replaced part of the handbrake lever mechanism that was bent. It held a little better for about a week (more positive "clicks", smoother) but then reverted to the pre-"fix" state. I followed up with the dealer and they said "that is how jeep build it" and the brake was "working properly". They also said to aggressively set the handbrake... in my case means pull until it feels like something is going to bend or brake.
Searching here some it seems hit-or-miss with brake adjustment. There is a short thread talking about adding a reinforcement plate to the handbrake ratchet mechanism. I may try that after I run out of warranty. .
-Jim
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JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
This is my situation. But it is unnerving. I've had my Jeep start to roll in first gear on especially steep inclines--my oldest daughter's driveway, for one. When that steep incline has a 1600' cliff on one side and a memorial plaque for a guy who died there on the other, it is downright scary. I really want a fix for this.
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: Pa
This is my situation. But it is unnerving. I've had my Jeep start to roll in first gear on especially steep inclines--my oldest daughter's driveway, for one. When that steep incline has a 1600' cliff on one side and a memorial plaque for a guy who died there on the other, it is downright scary. I really want a fix for this.
Mine does the same thing at my moms when left in first. Bottom of her driveway is trees. I don't really wanna come out and see the jeep parked in the trees so I put it in 4-lo when parking on an incline. I do this anywhere now that I feel at all uneasy. 4-lo holds it well.
When off-road on steep hills, I also use the added security of a nice size rock behind the wheels. Makes me feel better.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Sabina, OH
If you have been in the mud I would HIGHLY recommend taking the rotor/drum off and cleaning everything. When mine began to not work so well I found the whole thing to be packed with dried mud.
Also, contrary to many beliefs they so not automatically adjust. This needs done manually and often. I usually give a few clicks on the star-wheel with each oil change.
Mind you: the e-brake isn't what I would call robust but it should hold your Jeep at an incline sufficiently.
Also, contrary to many beliefs they so not automatically adjust. This needs done manually and often. I usually give a few clicks on the star-wheel with each oil change.
Mind you: the e-brake isn't what I would call robust but it should hold your Jeep at an incline sufficiently.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
Mine grabs well on the 4th click, and on a steeper hill I may have to go one more click.
All I have done to mine is adjust the shoes with the star wheel, and keep the clutch spring clean with brake cleaner.
If the tension spring on yours is broken, it will not get a fresh grab on the cable drum each time the lever is pushed down.
See this thread to get an idea how the lever works and some of the parts' names. https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stoc...-study-135255/
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
I had it at the dealer this AM because I have been bitching about it since I bought the jeep 2 months ago. They said they adjusted it as far as it would go and it would adjust itself as I back up. So I left because I'm angry and think he is a moron. 1st place I park on a slight incline, it won't hold at all. Been out all day and the same thing every where I park. Just got home and parked in the driveway, ( small hill ) it would only go up 3 clicks and held. WTF is that all about?
JK Junkie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,440
Likes: 0
From: CT
Mine is the same. Dealer did something but did not last long. The parking brake on the jk is garbage. I've since replaced the rotors and gave up adjusting the brakes. I will give it another go when the weather gets better. Until then I keep a $8 harbor freight chuck in the rear 