How to Adjust The Hand Brake in a Jeep Wrangler

[@MicDropBBQ]

I do a lot of repair/mod videos on my Jeep. I just so happened to cross this one sitting in my newsfeed. I decided to open it. All I can say is WOW!! You are good, brotha! I thought my videos were good, but THIS ONE is a 10 out of 10 for someone looking to adjust a parking brake. I've seen guys take the drums off adjust the shoes outwards - and then can't get the drum back on! LOL! The fact that you went thru the access port and the tensioner for the cables, I applaud you. From mechanic to mechanic, I applaud you, brotha. You're good!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks man! I appreciate it. 💪🏻🤘🏻 I'll check out your channel. I really miss my Jeeps.

[@heavyp08]

I just bought a 2003 TJ and DAMN YOU SAVED ME money! I just did the thing where tightening the adjuster, and BAM! Instant tight grip. I got the wrangler cheap because the previous owner thought the car "was shot and not safe anymore" wooooooot! (thank you for being so clear, concise, and to the damn point!)

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure! Glad you got an affordable wrangler. That phrase is usually an oxymoron.

[@_blank_3737]

Bro I was almost about to pay for this 😂

[@michaelmusgrave5993]

You made this look so easy, then it WAS so easy. Thanks! Just adjusted my 97 TJ parking brake following this tutorial. Two things I’d add: 1 jack the back up on the pumpkin for ease and 2 remember to disengage the parking brake when performing both steps. Thanks again!

[@joelbrandon6807]

i dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow forgot my login password. I appreciate any help you can give me.

[@eastoncolt8767]

@Joel Brandon Instablaster ;)

[@joelbrandon6807]

@Easton Colt thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out atm. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@joelbrandon6807]

@Easton Colt It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@eastoncolt8767]

@Joel Brandon Glad I could help :D

[@paulhead]

Thanx dude, most straight forward explanation without a bunch of jibber jabber!!

[@Rythecarguy]

Yes! Finally someone who does NOT think that I talk too much. Thanks man!

[@MrManntastic]

Quick, simple and to the point! Well done.

[@jakemiller3899]

I wish all walkthroughs were this straight forward. Thank you!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks man! 👍🏻👍🏻 glad you liked it.

[@aaronblackstone2877]

Best instructions I’ve seen. Saved me several hundred dollars. Thank you sir!

[@bobpurs]

Nice job After replacing my right cable that was broke when I bought it , I still didn't have much lever. Adjusted cable bracket underneath and still wasn't much. Didn't think about adjusting the shoes. Did that threw the window of backing plate with screwdriver and they were way loose. Snugged until tire had a little resistance and bango lots of parking brake lever now. Thanks!!!

[@clbish93]

Exactly what I was looking for! If only I had seen this before going wheeling this weekend. RIP the tree that was behind me on that hill...

[@toddwhittle]

Totally agree with Paul Vega below. No BS...straight to the point. Thanks Ry!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks dude! Glad you liked it.

[@lunar5577]

Thank you for the up to the point instructions and waste of time! Bravo!

[@Rythecarguy]

You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by!!

[@jimbag8]

Great vid, but what about the cable going from the central connection back to the drum? I've got one stuck.

[@jbrozowski1850]

Straight shooter, no bull. awesome thanks!

[@danross1117]

way easier looking than I was expecting. Thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. 👍🏻

[@charlescatanzano5712]

Awesome!!!!! Thank you, saved me a of time. Great video, straight to the point.

[@clarkg9805]

Excellent video Ry, thank you for taking the time to show us newbees how its done.

[@Toxyethanol]

Hey thanks man! I ended up needing to do this right before I left for work today. Left my jeep in the driveway to get the windshield replaced, now it doesnt roll away. This helped me get it done in about 5min! 😁👍

[@Toxyethanol]

@@Mattjki No shit. The TJ ended in 2006. Find some JK vids 😂 cmon man.

[@brianbartulis9709]

Thanks, but I've an '06 Rubi with discs. I'll have a go with the cable junction.

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻

[@dalecarpenter3781]

Simple and to the point

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻🤘🏻

[@chuckpowell1538]

Well done and clear instructions. Thanks for the full walkthrough!

[@williamfagnant6755]

Great great video, thank you! You solved a huge problem I am looking to tackle. My break won’t even hold on a flat surface. To confirm, the parking brake should not be engaged when moving the adjuster on the drum brake, correct? I ask because it seems like that small amount of resistance your seeking while adjusting would be there while driving regardless of whether the brake was engaged or not after making the adjustments. I would think this could resulting in brake wear, and wasted gas, etc. Am I missing something?

[@mikearcuri406]

Very helpful demo...thanks.

[@Rythecarguy]

You are welcome!

[@jcdixon01]

So on an 04 TJ, with disk breaks in the rear, how do you adjust the e-break? my issue is, my lever seems to stop about like yours, but you can still drive and even push the Jeep...not good since it parks on an incline all the time.

[@justjake3977]

Will this also take the mushiness out of the brake pedal? My pedal and handbrake are both mushy.

[@userwl2850]

These cars and others like my nitro have the problem with the mechanism attached to the handbrake lever clock spring. Many videos on KZbin.

[@nordmed711]

Hey Ry - ignorant question, but I'd rather ask and look silly than get something wrong. Especially with brakes. :-) At about the 3:15 minute mark when you state "you're going to do the other side" - does this mean A) repeat the same steps on the other rear wheel by adjusting until you feel just a slight amount of resistance, or b) adjust the other side the same amount of clicks you did the first tire? Thanks in advance!

[@Rythecarguy]

Option A! 👌🏻

[@johnhuval8165]

Thanks, nicely done. Made my task easy.

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad to help!

[@MrJoshItIs]

This is exactly what I need to do. I noticed when I am offroading my Jeep and I need to stop often on an incline that the parking brake isn't enough unless I leave it in gear. That isn't always practical unless I want to turn off the jeep each time instead of leaving it running to go inspect a line or obstacle.

[@Mr--Pineapple]

Hey everyone! You don't need to take your wheels off for this! I was able to get the job done by climbing underneath my Jeep with a flashlight, needle nose pliers, and a brake spoon. It's a tight job with limited visibility but is entirely possible to do without lifting the vehicle. Just be careful not to overtighten, as you won't be able to do the drag test on the rotors using this method.

[@Rythecarguy]

Great tip!

[@saabjunkieSPG]

Well done. I wish there was a video like this for a TJ that has a dana 44 with disk brakes!

[@marinehm]

Thanks man! Been a while since I crawled underneath. I just wanted to make sure I was doing it right.

[@Rythecarguy]

No problem 👍Thanks for watching.

[@brodybrady1696]

Nice video man! Very straight forward.. Subscribed

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks dude. I appreciate it.

[@magmag9999]

Amazing content!

[@Rythecarguy]

Thank you! :)

[@davidguy12345]

perfect explanation, thanks

[@nordland2235]

My jeep has 4 wheel disk brakes....is the adjustment the same ?

[@tysonaltevers3653]

Will this adjustment help with the emergency brake from freezing up when engaged?

[@arthurr3634]

Good video. Simple. Basic.

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻💪🏻

[@morodpour]

Great job explaining the steps involved.

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks!

[@RebelRob34]

Good vid, thank you. Mine needs done badly. Would just doing the cable adjustment (as you showed last) be enough?

[@Rythecarguy]

It depends. I would start here and see how much it improves. If you still don’t get good stopping power then you may have to address the rear brakes. I know that’s a non-answer but it really is individual.

[@paulwinski7215]

You won't know that until you do a brake inspection and possibly adjustment. Wranglers are known for having the self-adjusting cable break. Check that inside the brake drum where the brake shoes are.

[@tysonmurphy7521]

Awesome video. Thanks for the easy explanation on things.

[@Rythecarguy]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@oscarcanelo6262]

Thanks for the tip,great video!

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@johncena2336]

Would this help stop vibrations after new shoes and drums also?

[@thatboybry8536]

By any chance would you know why my wrangler doesn’t shut off even when I take the key out of the ignition

[@BP-uj9uq]

Great simple video, thanks!

[@jerryt4521]

Thanks bro very helpful

[@Rythecarguy]

Happy to help

[@daveramsay8115]

Great video!

[@Rythecarguy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MrBigSmile00]

Informative video regarding this issue. Great work man

[@jamesstevenson2073]

My 89 YJ parking brake locked since the cables rotted out. I bought replacement cables front to back along with a brand new drum assembly to the cylinders. Question, how do I diagnose the pedal since I dismounted it the clean and lube? I have it off and the pedal swings freely “ is that bad “

[@MrSpitfireMustang]

Very thorough, thank you!

[@mikem2179]

Before I attempt to give this a try, does that star nut spin to the same direction on the driver's side?

[@Rythecarguy]

I’m sorry but I do not remember. I would just turn it a couple times and see if it gets tighter or not. Wish i could be more help!

[@gotmecheesewhizboy]

Great video! Solved my parking brake issue.

[@Rythecarguy]

That’s awesome! Glad to hear.

[@BadlandSurvival]

Thanks for the video. My handbrake is barely engaging and goes to the top. When I turn the wheels with a screwdriver on both sides they don’t clock and move easily. Should I just keep turning the wheels?

[@Rythecarguy]

Continue to turn them but also rotate your drum and make sure you are not going too far. If it start feeling resistance then stop. You dont want your pads to always be engaged.

[@paulwinski7215]

You need to pull the brake drums off and inspect the brakes. You may need a brake job.

[@ChiefB-x1p]

Would having a loose hand brake cause the brake light to stay on?

[@paulwinski7215]

No

[@waden404]

Thank you very much

[@Rythecarguy]

You're very welcome

[@shinysideup2613]

Can I adjust the cable only or do I have to adjust the brake drums too?

[@Rythecarguy]

you should do both but if you see improvement with just the cable then you should be fine.

[@smcewen7]

How do you get the brake light Stop flashing and beeping like my emergency brake is on but its not?

[@Rythecarguy]

Likely a sensor below the handle came loose or is faulty.

[@russella1113]

Thanks for the Great Vid. Detailed and straightforward. Thumbs up :)

[@kitchensink7345]

Just spent 2 hrs taking my brakes apart and adjusted. Didn’t work so will try cable, hope it’s the cable. My rear brakes rusted to dust from putting my boat in the water, one seized so I think I stretched cable. Although I may not have done it right, can’t adjust with wheel on, what a bit ch

[@Tracybignasty]

Thanks alot! This was very helpful

[@zachnall4488]

When you tighten the brakes at the drum is the parking brake engaged?

[@Rythecarguy]

Nope!

[@paulwinski7215]

No.

[@regryan8044]

Great vid Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome. Thank you,

[@BigReox7]

Question: what if I just tighten the cables underneath the jeep? Will there not be enough tension to make it work? Or should I always tighten it at the brake first?

[@Rythecarguy]

If you just have a little slack in the line then the wires underneath will help.

[@paulwinski7215]

You really need to inspect the brakes before making any adjustments. You won't know the answer to your question without inspecting them.

[@diegoarnaud5403]

So you adjust it with the handle down,right?

[@Rythecarguy]

Oh yea

[@skylars5658]

How do you loosen the fly wheel if you over tightened it

[@Rythecarguy]

Really gentle with a breaker bar should do it

[@mikegold3643]

Great how to video, did the trick for me. Thanks!!

[@TheKalex927]

just curious is the adjustment is the same with the rear brakes being swapped out for disc brakes

[@paulwinski7215]

Not the rear brake adjustment. Disc brakes have no adjusting wheel. They are essentially self-adjusting. The parking brake cable adjustment should be the same.

[@edward996]

Thank you very helpful!

[@adammcintosh5423]

Thanks, that was exactly what I needed to know.

[@ranchurdhimster4955]

Great explanation sir, very informative. Only one problem. You kept calling your jeep a car!

[@rickjames5998]

i just got a lift and 33 inch tires on my tj. Even on a slight hill, the parking brake does not hold the jeep, it rolls back. plz help

[@josephabramo2324]

thank you

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome.

[@therealdirtydan1569]

So is there a place to adjust the brake on all wheels or just the rear right one?

[@TheTinManTJ]

You just need to do the two rear wheels. It's the same on both sides. The e-brake doesn't engage the front wheels.

[@therealdirtydan1569]

40CalJeeper thanks

[@alexiscarcamo3836]

Thanks bro I passed my inspection

[@Rythecarguy]

Anytime!

[@jokerchris1]

Thanks for the video it helped out a lot, after I already replaced the front cable though! Lol

[@FOURWHEELTRENDS]

Thanks! That's just the fix I needed.

[@kevinskillin9340]

I tried doing the part underneath with the 13mm and I could not get it to budge, any recommendations? I loaded it with wd40 and pushed as hard as I can but nothing moved

[@Rythecarguy]

I would go with a more penetrating oil like PB blaster. Soak it over the course of a couple days. It should crack loose after that.

[@paulwinski7215]

Try Liquid Wrench, or PB Blaster, and let it soak for a couple days then try again.

[@erichurst2496]

Well done!

[@Jose-vo1vz]

Do i have to have te e brake up when im turning the wheel??

[@paulwinski7215]

No. The e-brake needs to be disengaged when adjusting the rear brakes.

[@timbuk2.019]

Thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome

[@blacklisted8749]

What year is this wrangler? I just bought a used 2011 wrangler this week. I didn’t see the ebrake cables underneath. I think I saw another video where some are on the interior under the console. Great helpful video tho. I think I’ll be able to at least adjust my drums like you did. *after first inspection, it looks like I have to take the calipers off to get to that part in the drum.

[@Rythecarguy]

Sorry I forgot to put that in the description. This is a 2004 Wrangler.

[@timejinx]

What year jk you got?

[@Rythecarguy]

No JK’s just a YJ and a TJ

[@djmuzeek9145]

I love you lol thanks bro have a 2015 jeep wrangler unlimited sport and have questions if you have time later bro.

[@josephblough5856]

Thanks but 2015 Jeep Wrangler has no way to adjust cable, they apparently stopped that option at some point, all you can do is adjust at brake

[@josephblough5856]

@@paulwinski7215 yes it has rear drum brakes .At some point they stopped providing the adjustment bolt inside at console,this is true,nobody knows why they stopped this. And yes they are adjustable at the actual brake. Cable stretches etc,many videos here on this,we are only speaking of adjusting emergency brake cable

[@paulwinski7215]

@@josephblough5856 Sorry. I deleted my comment. If I find anything helpful, I'll post it here.

[@Officer239]

If my parking brake is engaged while in drive and say the car still moves do I still have to adjust the parking brake ?

[@paulwinski7215]

If it's at idle, yes. But your engine has plenty of power to move the vehicle with the parking brake fully engaged if you press the accelerator.

[@johnnysix5368]

So I've got 5 clicks, about 2 inches before the lever is all the way up, but if I'm on any kind of incline it will still roll.. any ideas?

[@rudolph1307]

Would love to see a reply for this. I have the same problem.

[@DanielSawn]

Your parking brake drums are probably due for a change then. If everythings asjusted, and still not stopping, as with regular brakes, time to renew.

[@paulwinski7215]

@@rudolph1307 Pull harder on the handbrake. If you still have travel, go another click. If it still won't hold and you can't move it anymore with travel left, you probably have a leak which is soaking the brake shoes, making them ineffective. Inspect the brakes and see.

[@ericmcginty]

When you are adjusting the brakes in the back, I am assuming that you have the hand brake engaged (up), is this correct?

[@Rythecarguy]

I adjusted the brake while it was disengaged

[@ericmcginty]

Ok thanks!

[@paulwinski7215]

Yes. The handbrake must be disengaged.

[@johncooper4637]

This does not work on the JK as the hand brake has coiled springs in the mechanism which requires taking the console out.

[@southernrebel9081]

I f****** love that tree tattoo!! And thanks for uploading this video

[@Rythecarguy]

Thanks!

[@hammerislam5882]

Well done....

[@wvsky]

Here's my question: Why would the shoes wear down at all when all you're doing is to hold the car while parked??

[@jamieflournoy]

Those shoes are also used for regular braking, when you press the brake pedal.

[@CharleytheGermanShepherd]

@@jamieflournoy Not on a JK. Disks for stopping, Drum for Park brake.

[@danstubbs5032]

I changed my rear end four years ago and still haven't finished adjusting the parking brake. 😂

[@oneshoeboxer8]

Not sure why I put that off so long. That was less than 30 seconds to fix. Thanks!

[@Rythecarguy]

👍🏻🤘🏻💪🏻

[@stevenrubio5462]

This is so hard to do with a Detroit locker lol

[@seanodeli7031]

Just put the jeep in gear I’m all about simple solutions

[@Rythecarguy]

That's nice but I like all the parts of my car functioning.

[@uralbob1]

Good video! Thank you!

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome, thank you for watching!

[@stantilton2191]

Very helpful, Thank you

[@Rythecarguy]

You're welcome!

[@chiphammond]

Parking brake engaged or not engaged before starting?

[@Rythecarguy]

Hmm I don’t recall what I did but I would imagine disengaged.

[@paulwinski7215]

The parking brake must be disengaged while making the adjustments.

[@natanaelarellano7825]

Thanks

[@Rythecarguy]

No problem