E break
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
guys I just got through redoing the whole ebrake assembly on my 08 Rubicon. It is NOT self adjusting. I don't care if you drive it forward, backward or sideways. It is NOT self adjusting. It must be adjusted manually. My wife has a 2011 and I checked hers and it is the same thing.
If you recall in the older vehicles with drum brakes there was a lever that was 'rockered' when reversing that would actuate and move the spur gear therefore adjusting the drum brakes of the vehicle. The emergency brakes in the Jeeps is not like this. There is no lever for the spur gear therefore it does not self adjust.
Here's a diagram of the ebrake system;
If you recall in the older vehicles with drum brakes there was a lever that was 'rockered' when reversing that would actuate and move the spur gear therefore adjusting the drum brakes of the vehicle. The emergency brakes in the Jeeps is not like this. There is no lever for the spur gear therefore it does not self adjust.
Here's a diagram of the ebrake system;
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I'm about to do the adjustment. Jeep is only 4 months old and already I have to pull my brake as high as it can possibly go for it to hold. Question... the rotor just pops off after taking off the wheel and caliper? If you take the rotor off, can you adjust from the front? Or do you still have to go through that access hole in the back? Sorry for stupid questions... first time doing it.
Thanks!
Thanks!
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
I think what is being said is the lever/drum portion in the console is self adjusting. It gets a new grip on the cable drum each time you use it. And it has a tension spring to maintain about 20 lbs pull on the brake cables to keep the slack out.
Also, the forward/reverse application of the e-brake will tend to equalize the left and right cables, making the e-brake a little more effective, without having to adjust the star wheels on the shoes.
That has worked on mine, making it go from 5 clicks to hold the Jeep, to 3 clicks to hold the Jeep. Others have successfully done this, too.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
I'm about to do the adjustment. Jeep is only 4 months old and already I have to pull my brake as high as it can possibly go for it to hold. Question... the rotor just pops off after taking off the wheel and caliper? If you take the rotor off, can you adjust from the front? Or do you still have to go through that access hole in the back? Sorry for stupid questions... first time doing it.
Thanks!
Thanks!
As stated in my previous post, the e-brake on my Jeep holds the Jeep with 3 - 5 clicks.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 373
From: Midwest City, OK
Mine can't make up its mind. Sometimes I pull it up two clicks and it holds firm--can't pull it any higher. Sometimes it pulls up all the way and won't hold a thing. Rebuilt the e-brakes a couple months ago and it worked fine for about two or three weeks--then started doing it all over again. I'm headed to CO and in the Wells' book is the admonishment to ensure you have a good e-brake! 
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
Mine can't make up its mind. Sometimes I pull it up two clicks and it holds firm--can't pull it any higher. Sometimes it pulls up all the way and won't hold a thing. Rebuilt the e-brakes a couple months ago and it worked fine for about two or three weeks--then started doing it all over again. I'm headed to CO and in the Wells' book is the admonishment to ensure you have a good e-brake!
Did you try spray cleaning it with some brake cleaner?
Last edited by ronjenx; Jul 6, 2011 at 08:35 PM. Reason: shpelling
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Brantford, Ontario
My 2011 does the same thing, went to the dealer today and they said the whole assembly has to be replaced so they ordered it and doing the job under warranty! I have heard of it happening on a few 2011's so may be a recall in the future...
Ken
Ken