Parking Break

DENAREED

MEMBER
FORD EXPLORER

Ford Explorer, 1992, 118,000 mileage. My parking break is not releasing at all. I can reverse with no problem, but it will only let me jerk forward a few inches at a time. I'm wondering if there is some sort of temporary quick-fix I can do to release it so I can drive it to the mechanic. It's parked in a pay-garage right now and they gave me some problems about bringing a in a tow truck. Is this common on older Explorers? Thanks for your time.

1 Reply

BHUGG

MECHANIC
157 POSTS

The parking brake is controlled by a cable that runs from the brake mechanism from the drivers seat to the rear brakes.
If you pulled the release and the pedal returns to the up position, then there is a problem in the cabling or the brake itself. If it doesn't return, then check the pedal and it's relase mechanism.
If the pedal releases, check the cabling to the rear wheels. If the cabling is loose (not tight) the probelm is in the brakes.
If it is in the brake themselves, you should get a mechanic to check it out.
Good luck
By the way, a parking BREAK is when you get that parking space right next to the store. You are concerned with a parking BRAKE.