How to Fix an F-150 E-Brake

Here's some Amazon links for the tools used in this video for your convenience.
Needle Nose Vise Grips→www.amazon.com/...
3/8" Cordless Impact 20V→www.amazon.com/...
Brake Adjusting Spoon→www.amazon.com/...
Wobble Extensions→www.amazon.com/...
How to Fix an F-150 E-Brake

[@jh1859]

You win the f-150 e-brake tutorial video award. Congratulations.

[@rodmauldin]

Thanks Brian! Great video. It's funny how folks like myself, who enjoy learning mechanic work can sit back and be entertained by instructional info. Sign of a good instructor.

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

A one minute long onslaught of *"thats what she said"* opportunities starting @ 1:46

[@dnlmachine4287]

Note the upper return spring is ABOVE the lever mechanism intially at 4:19. Brian installs it correctly BELOW the lever mechanism at 12:05. Working on a 2001 F150 right now with exactly the same brakes, and both the upper return springs are BELOW the lever mechanism when I took them apart. Stay gold.

[@briansmobile1]

Good eye! I think I mention that at some point in the video, but it's been a while. They didn't work so well installed above.

[@AMMOPUNK1]

Thanks for the video Brian, VERY informative! I'm glad we have folks like you to who don't mind utilizing technology to help their fellow man!

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Hi, I have an old 96 740 BMW that effectively has the same setup. I have never been able to get mine to work properly.Despite adjusting and cleaning and sanding the shoes. The brake holds fantastically in damp weather after the car is left for a few days however once it dries out the brake will not even hold the car in "drive". Any ideas? Love your videos...

[@noahjackson4610]

Been watching you videos for a few months just because all of the repair stuff interests me. Love your videos! When I found out my E-brake wasn't working at all over the weekend I remembered this video! Followed along with you while I was fixing mine, great tutorial very easy to follow. Saved me a $120 diagnostic fee + part and labor from Ford. Many thanks for the help love your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@kevinvillegas2287]

EXELLENT VIDEO BRIAN, I HAVE A F150 MYSELF WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND I WAS ABLE TO FIX IT THANKS TO YOUR VIDEO. IT WAS A PAIN TO TAKE THE ROTOR OFF BUT MANAGE TO GET IT RIGHT. THANKS

[@briansmobile1]

+kevin villegas You're welcome Kevin! Way to go buddy!

[@PeaceBong]

kevin villegas pop the cap off the back of the dust cover and use a flat screwdriver to back off the star wheel a bit and the rotor will slide off. Use this hole to adjust your shoes every couple oil changes as well. Keep the tire on and rotate forward til the shoes rub a bit.

[@rjinnh3933]

Andrew, some thoughts. Getting a rotor off, front or rear, is difficult when rust builds up between the rotor's center locating hole and the axle's centering flange because of the close tolerance of the 'Hub-Centric' design that keeps the rotor concentric to the axle shaft. That's why Brian had to beat the snot out of the rotor to break the rust loose between the rotor and axle interface. Brian's demo and explanation was spot-on. Yes you do have to make sure the shoes aren't tight against the drum portion of the rotor but that's mostly a problem with drum-brake designs where the inner edge of the shoes get caught by the un-worn ridge left at the edge of the drum that isn't in contact with the shoes during braking. The hardest part of a brake job has always been getting the rotor or drum broken loose from the axle or hub. Once it's loose, you may have to de-adjust the shoes to finish removing the drum or drum-in-hat rotor. Use of PB-Blaster and a 3-Pound Sledge are almost mandatory when removing drums or rotors. I always apply Never-Seez goop to matting surfaces when reassembling parts that can rust except lug nuts/studs because they will loosen up while driving if not torqued to spec when they are clean and dry. I.E. NO LUBRICATION, just wire brush clean and then hit the studs with Brake-Clean else you can have loose lug nuts after a few hundred miles. Hope this helps some DIYers.

[@bobhaddock957]

the wheel on the end of the bolt used to be called "star". you turn the "star" one direction or the other to expand or contract the "bolt" to tighten the shoe against the hub or make it looser against the hub

[@sjs2657g]

I rate this a 9.5 out of 10. I put the top lug nut on first as the wheel naturally balances with the top inward, and when I push the bottom in, the fulcrum of the hub causes the wheel's top to come off of the stud [at around 50% of the time]. Also, the end title screen needs to be spell checked. A gold medal performance none the less.

[@toddkratzer7953]

12:45 you have the spring underneath the two pcs you cleanup with the wire wheel. If you go back and look when you took the spring off it was on top.

[@franciskuntz2353]

I noticed that too.... mine have fallen apart after doing that repair several times... lts a common complaint on forums. New brake hardware the spring is not the same shape. If anyone has a real fix let me know

[@squadman3376]

Clear, concise, humor and no BS music. Brilliant !

[@wdtony]

It would be very helpful if the year of the vehicle was included in the description.

[@glenng.8254]

You should talk to the customer about their bad seal. Looks to me by looking on the inside of that wheel that there is an axle leak.

[@jfarill834]

Well done, Brian! The only thing that I would have done extra was put just a bit of never sieze where the "Eagles" mouth connected to the brake cable. A small amount of never seize on the adjuster threads would work too. Great tips on how not to screw up. How about some more impressions next time?

[@allamericanjay]

Hey Brian. I was searching for a video on how to unstick a stuck ebrake for a '94 F150, and came across this video. Even though it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, I found myself watching the whole thing and learning quite a bit. Just wanted to let you know you would make a great teacher/instructor; great descriptor with a great sense of humor. Looking forward to watching more videos!

[@tincanboat]

I'm 75 thank goodness I found you. I just bought a 2006 ford expedition with 4 wheel disk brakes. I am familiar with front disk brakes and drum parking break but did not know how the parking break would work on 4 wheel disk brakes. everybody just said oh you don't have to take the wheel off to adjust them. they did not explain how the parking break worked. but finally I found you. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@briansmobile1]

Glad I could help!

[@P1cwh0r3]

I noticed at the start of the video, the spring was at the top of the eagle holding the brake shoes together, when re-assembled it was placed under the eagle. Would the movement of the eagle cause undue wear to the linkage of the spring or isn't it enough to worry? Cheers!

[@toddkratzer7953]

He did install that wrong.

[@1028cartman]

Very bad idea to push the caliper piston back in without opening the bleeder:(( you don't want that old brake fluid into the master cylinder .just saying ;))

[@TEW1157]

You put the top spring in upside down. Nice video though. Thank you for this.

[@drumwrightd]

Excellent, Excellent fudging video, exactly what I needed to see. I busted knuckles for two hours until I ran out of sunlight, didn't finish, and I was doing it all the wrong and hard way, thanks for the helpful hints... I need a garage, skeeters get rough at dusk

[@briansmobile1]

David Drumwright Thanks, and good luck Dave!

[@kurtnin42manson]

Hi I just wanted to say that your videos are always extremely helpful.. I finally have a question though.. I have an 07 f150 4.6l with 4x4, and recently my Ebrake light on the dash came on. Sometimes it goes off, while im driving, sometimes not. Could this be an actual ebrake situation? I always thought it was just a cable, no sensors or anything on it.. Any advice? I had it scanned, but since it wasn't an ABS or an engine issue, nothing came up. Thanks! - Jeff

[@itassist7373]

Hey buddy, what did you determine for your F150? I have an 07 with a similar issue but mine is making a slight grinding noise too.

[@tuffy22q]

Brian , Love your technique & your occasional Humor , I am an old Mechanic , on the older stuff & the simple New stuff , Ha Ha !! I wish I had had good videos to watch when I was younger , it would have saved me a bunch of mistakes , Thank You for taking time to help out some of us old dummies , lol Arnold in Oklahoma .

[@PK-zo8lx]

For anyone replacing the parking brake shoes and all hardware, those pins are a pain to hold in place when you are doing this by yourself. I ended up inserting the pin and then inserting a wooden dowel in the backing plate recess and clamping the other end of the dowel to the axle bracket. That way the pin could not drop out. It took me a lot of swearing to finally figure it out and after that it was a breeze!

[@CLaM734]

Good video! Veeery common problem for this generation F150. I'd also like to add that the new park brake pivot is updated if you do so wish to replace it. The new piece I believe is zinc coated and is supposed to help prolong service life before it seizes again. Repair or replace, MUST use grease as Brian has mentioned.

[@garymcmullin2292]

really well done video, thank you. I was feeling right at home with your presentation, this park brake is nothing more than what used to be the common shoe brake system on all makes of cars before discs came into popularity. This park brake differs in that no hydraulic cylinder actuates the pivoting shoes but in place of it is the mechanical cable which applies the needed force.

[@leh3827]

Your calmness helps my calmness, and confidence. Calm is the best way to approach things, in my opinion. Thanks I saw the levers as eagles too🤯 Those eagles are nearly invincible. Even the Very corrosion seized ones eventually worked apart and cleaned up on the wire wheel.

[@johnleonard3324]

Is it just me or is the position of the top spring and the "eagle" levers reversed after you fixed it. What I meam by this is the spring is above the levers at 4:24 and it is below the levers at 12:47 of the video. Did I miss something?

[@briansmobile1]

You're right John! It is different. I didn't catch that when I took it apart. The way it was at 12:47 worked much better than how it was at 4:24 all stuck frozen.

[@shellygibbons3069]

I appreciate the video. Very clear and easy to follow. Made my brake jobs go smooth. Thanks much.

[@HETPEZB]

How you can distinguish the the sound of parking brake shoes dragging versus the normal brake pads dragging when adjusting the parking brake since the sound or dragging is basically the same and normal brake pads are usually dragging a little bit all the time? :)

[@nd318865]

Brian; couple things. The "star wheel" for E brake is a self adjusting apparatus is it not? I did not see a piece that would "adjust" the star wheel? Was it missing or am I just plain wrong? If so, how does the E brake self-adjust? Annnd, Never Seize between the disc/drum- hat and the axle end (along with same on the wheel threads) makes disassembly easier next time.

[@oldyella3513]

Great video im doing mine tomm thanks lots of helpful tricks

[@dnlmachine4287]

Nice work, your channel is great. If its possible, unclip the lower spring, then just spread the shoes from the bottom and lift them off upwards without disconnecting the upper spring(s). Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. Reverse procedure to reassemble. Here is an example - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3ecooOKnJ2aZq8 Remove/install the upper springs when the shoes are off the vehicle. Stay gold.

[@marilynmorrow6420]

Extremely accessible video for someone just getting into repairs. Thank you for the detail shots of each part. I'll be sure to follow you for future repair projects.

[@mick5740]

2001 lariat 4 x 4 it had a good E brake pedal was super stiff so I did a rear brake job on it with new calipers I adjusted the E brake to supposedly loosen it up before taking the dish off as to not ruin the brick by bang it off put everything back together and there is no E brake so obviously I tried to adjust it back to tighten it up and just cannot seem to get it it either tightened it up to tight so it was on all the time or it gets where it only works in reverse I can’t seem to get it to work with the trucks moving forward with the E brake and gauge just put everything back together I’m wondering did I just ruin a good E break because it’s so old is that what’s going on

[@RiseWitDaFallen8]

And also i watch you're e brake vid. I was hoping that you would of showed the whole assembly. i bought the new kit with springs adjuster screws clips and pins but didn't see that in you're vid

[@charliegoodman8626]

I Got My Caliper Bolts Off With Zero Extensions!!! No Problem At All!! It Baffles Me As to Why You Need To Use Extensions!!! WTF?

[@patmancrowley8509]

Thank you, Brian. This IS the E-brake video that I've been looking for.

[@MrCabo69]

I think you do a great job explaining things,,, and your having fun too... Keep up the good job.

[@timiblack3290]

Does anyone have advice on ho to reconnect the e-brake cable back to the hook they latch to? I JUST BOUGHT A 2002 FORD F150 and noticed some vibration in the rear end when taking off from a stop. Once I got under it I noticed the e brake is not connected. Previous owner says they just had brakes done in a shop and maybe they forgot to connect them. Hoping there is an easy way to re-connect?

[@stephenbohn592]

Super. Master teacher. Excellent. Funny too and entertaining. Even, as a bonus. Well done! Professor SB, Jet Master TechTrnr

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

When you started top spring was sitting on top of lever/brakets.. when you put back you put it under the lever/brakets I am fixing my brakes watching this video so I noticed.

[@KLR-650]

Man, I replaced pads and rotors and looked at my parking brake hardware...crazy rust everywhere. I never use the parking brake for this reason. Minnesota sucks for rust. Hardest rotor to ever come off as well. Leaving the parking brake alone for now. In Minnesota, you either use the parking brake all the time or don't use it at all.

[@johnkhoover9357]

perfect info with extra what if guidance, very entertaining. very well spoken easy to follow steps.

[@rs4328]

Brian I have a 2003 4X4 super crew and the rear disk is a bit different, there are no vents to put the screw driver in to pry the caliper and compress the piston, i am having trouble getting the caliper off, it wont come away from the disk, it is not seized as it moves, it simply wont lift away, any tips.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Well done Brian - I will be doing this job on my ford as soon as the winter ends. Never left anything out as usual very thorough. Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

You bet Steve- best of luck!

[@redneckraconteur]

I wasted a lot of time watching about 10 crappy videos. This is the one I needed, thanks! (Kind of ironic this was the oldest one I watched as well😶)

[@Mummyy84]

Hmm. The top spring was over the "handbrake" lever when you started, but when you put it back together it was under that lever. Is it better that way?

[@thedancinglifestyle]

🎉thank you for A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING,GREAT VIDEO!

[@SWResto]

Really should have Googles ??? when using your bench grinder wire wheel wires come off often!

[@charlesbradford6738]

DON"T wear gloves while using the wire wheel. It can grab the glove and pull your hand into the wires.

[@elcronchy3591]

Muchas gracias amigo por tu ayuda👍👍

[@briansmobile1]

De nada amigo!

[@RiseWitDaFallen8]

Got a question What would be the easiest way to remove a stake u joint on a rear drive shaft

[@bbrahbboul2748]

The best tutorial on the matter. I would like to see a video on installing the lever kit that have extra sets of levers , I bought them but couldn't install them , because I couldn't figure out what the extra pieces on the top of that they are too tight , I dont think they would work

[@robertsnyder5531]

Nice vidio not to nick pick but i always put alittle white grease on the backing plate shoe tabs and the caliper bolts on the shaft part before you slide them thru the rubber boots very informative thanks

[@SirKaleidoscopeSkies]

I had to buy a whole new set. Eventually got it apart out of curiosity. Had to get it crispy hot then it bent because i had weakened it so much.

[@felplayvina]

My favorite part when you put the wheel back on....

[@davidhall3747]

The Hub Grappler kit has a Drum puller in it. Makes getting the Drum off Ten times easier.

[@callmejackaroo4723]

I think pretty sure all automotive videos are made in the north, & the comments are made in the south. Yee haw doggies

[@darrques101]

Thank you, great video and awesome info man thanx again. Drum-in-hat

[@boblange8245]

Top Spring is in a different position then when you took it off . Does it go on top of the e brake bar like you took it off or the bottom where you put it in the install ?

[@KaliBlaz]

is there a way to release the break shoes with a stuck rotor? I've been fighting with it for 2 days now. the e breaks is stuck and the cable is unhooked. the rotor is not coming out.

[@briansmobile1]

For that you have to adjust the shoes in to clear the lip.

[@jcdraugrman2160]

"And you're done, see, it just falls right off."

[@Finnigan9]

Top-hat rotor-drum. What a mess...another one of Ford's "better ideas". Normally you can hit a stuck brake drum with a smaller hammer but hit it many times at a place that will cause a 'ring' such as a bell would do. The harmonic vibration will loosen it. Anyhow, THANKS for doing the vids. You so SUCH a good job of showing and explaining. Ur awesome!

[@BisonArmory]

why not hose down all the springs and parts with CRC 3-36?

[@lizard944]

I'm doing this on a 1999 Explorer. Also replacing the cables. My actuator levers looked like one rusted piece fused together. Cleaned them using electrolysis then with a sanding disk and the look new. I've owned it for 11 years and this is my first time doing the cables. The actuator levers were "tits" up on both sides. Is the explorer different or did the previous owner screw up? Thanks.

[@briansmobile1]

Likely the previous guy messed them up.

[@snsmowingservice998]

Thank you for taking the time out to make such an informative video! I found that my 2005 F-150 at both wheels the parking brake line is just hanging there disconnected. I will now go through and use what I learned from you to get things in working order. I want to know if this will cause my brake light to be illuminated ? Thanks again.

[@aftereffect4832]

There is a slot in the back you can use to loosen the adjuster arm. Then is comes off easy.

[@orvillebradley9715]

U ROCK, DUDES....that particular of the cam&lever,block,&e+drum shoe brakes part of assembly was detailed w/awesome camera views to see and understand!!!.... tytyty,again👍👌👊👆✋ Sincerely, just a Girl. Umm,;) (woman)

[@tomuzagregv.8300]

Thanks for this very helpful video. 👍

[@franciscoguerra8192]

Extremely informative. I wish I would have watched first! Ha. I appreciate the breaking down/beginners . Easy to understand. Thanks

[@strongislander1235]

What year pickup was that? Is that a common problem? Thanks for the video. I love learning the mechanics of automobiles.

[@briansmobile1]

This is a 2004. It's a very common problem on automatic transmissions that don't get as much parking brake usage.

[@MrEdsster]

the most interesting man in the world has nothing on you bud, and your not pushing mexican beer. always enjoy your videos.

[@briansmobile1]

lol I'm flattered- or at least I'm trying to be. Just to see how it feels.

[@63supercobrajet]

Excellent instructional Video ! I have an '08 F-150XL 2WD with exactly the same issue. I especially liked your comment at the end, where it really should be called a "Parking"-brake assy, since in a real "E"mergency, forward incline, -these things are useless. :> LoL, the E-brake / Parking brake - the most unused and useless parts of any vehicle.

[@Robocoppat]

I tried it with no success. it did finally work after I said "Bam" and then "Bamm" again and it popped off. lol..all kidding aside Brian I've learned a great deal watching your videos as well as Matt's. seriously I have a 95 f150 XL and am having problems getting the front e brake to stretch/ release so it will lock into a new rear bracket that is connected to brand new L and R emergency brake cables. how do I get the cable to release. thanks..

[@elvishfiend]

Hey Brian, maybe it's only ~65% power when moving forwards to stop the brakes locking and skidding? My wife is working for Holden (what GM is called in Australia) and some of the new models with an electric e-brake will actually cause a constant, controlled 0.3G deceleration if you just use the e-brake and a constant, controlled 0.6G or so if you use the e-brake with the brakes depressed.

[@RonRiseSR]

Great Video! ...Appeared the top spring reinstall did no match location prior to removal. Ctr spring wire was above lever prior and under after which could cause binding...Also springs were badly corroded and should consider replacement......

[@dzjad]

2008 F150 here. The rear passenger side was actually frozen in the locked position. It was causing some odd vibrations! After I found your video, I think I'm going to take this project on myself!

[@Mebob2001]

brian watching this video gave me an idea to really test PB blaster to other pen fluids!. fine some seized rotors, DONT try to smack them off, spary the inner bit like you showed here, not around the stud's/holes just center hub and let it soak for an hour come back do it again then leave it all night, remove the rotors and see how far the blaster or other fluid has worked its way up the hub face! im for sure doing this test! im curious on which ones accully WORK

[@jnray094evr]

HOW TO REPLACE 94 TEMPO SHIFTIER CABLE HANGING

[@bartbrimley1]

The video instruction and camera work were both excellent. Just bought a 1995 F 150. Will there be any difference from the newer truck in this video?

[@olipirard]

Nice video as usual. I will keep the good tip of having " the eagle tits down" in my mind. Jokes are a good way to learn. ;) Thank you.

[@briansmobile1]

lol Welcome

[@doyouliketowatch]

+StrongIslander123 I have an 05 and depending how much you use it, it can be. I'm guessing mainly cause there's no way to keep moisture out

[@peterlee5338]

Thanks so much for this video , I have a 2008 f150 4.2liter , e brakes always have problems. I got it fixed by following your instructions, I can't thank you enough

[@NimaSomeh]

the left side lower shoe spring should be installed the other way ( longer metal part to the left side so it lets you adjust easily) :D

[@briansmobile1]

You're good! On something with drum brakes that are self adjusting you'd be right on spot. Look on 15:40 however and you'll see the spring here is symmetrical and there is no self adjustment to be had here as it's just the parking brake or emergency brake. Here the spring actually prevents it's own pressure form decreasing distance on the screw. Not a perfect design, but good enough for the women that date Ford engineers.

[@richardhilbert9965]

I do believe that this was the best video to help out the do-it yourself people.... Thanks a lot for the great know how & step by step video...

[@briansmobile1]

You're welcome Richard- thanks for subscribing!

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

Or...if it doesn't come off after banging it, putting penetrating oil in it, waiting awhile then banging some more(that's what She said) heat it up with a torch and hope you don't set the brake fluid or fuel line on fire...oof! *"that's what SHE said"*

[@robertmaciejeski5605]

thanks for taking the time and showing how to replace parking brakes.

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome Robert!

[@robertmaciejeski5605]

i had a weird rattle when hitting a bump in the road and a occasional grinding sound when i pulled my rotor drum off i found all of the parts gone except for 2 rusty brake shoes . your video will help me figure out what parts to buy and where to put them.

[@mattkozatek5770]

Brian, thanks for showing how to do this. Before I saw this video, I had help replacing the shoe's, the springs, ect. and everything seemed to work OK until I did the parking brake test...it did not hold the truck in place. After watching how to do it here in the video, I realized why my parking brake does not hold. Your attention to detail on the 'eagle', and attaching the cable properly is what my problems are. I have to go back in and make sure I have those 2 eagle plates in properly, and most of all attach the cable all the way on. Thanks again for the great attention to detail! R/ Matt

[@aztekwarrior518]

I wish you'd have cleaned up and greased the slides for the pads..they looked rough and could eventually cause the calipers to hang up.. but very informative, keep up the good work!

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

I hate drum brakes. Worst invention.

[@simono.1970]

You awesome 🎉🎉

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks!

[@kylebrown4388]

Perfect video Brian, do my own work and recently did the brakes but didn't look at the parking brake. Have had issues with my 2012 F150 pedal not returning when released, will see if this may be an issue.

[@rbatog]

ya right buddy, 4hr rear brake replacement job = 3.5 hrs to remove rear rotors 0.5 hrs to finish job, pain in the A$$! broke the rotor in the process! lol

[@luckboxx74]

Excellent video! Very detailed and lots of "pro tips" asking the way. I take it this is a common problem since there's a video about her on KZbin. Thanks for the help!

[@dwightfranklin5431]

Me and a Friend was sitting here watching this video and you taught us both a new trick. Thank You on the tip of grinding the bott where it is damage and the nut will slipe right bye the bad spot. Will used that tip till my dying day

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome Dwight!

[@jarinwilson9539]

Brian, I am surprised to see that you never use swivel impact sockets....I don't know how you can work without them, my hat is off to you sir.

[@workingshlub8861]

this video is a lifesaver...let my f150 sit and e brake rusted up solid....those 2 springs that go to backing plate are a pain...they couldnt use the round type like everyone else.

[@Trumpisking]

I lost it when he got tongue twisted then said “I tought I taw a putty tat” 😂

[@alexls62]

Hey I need help so yesterday my dumbass pressed on that pedal while parked for no reason, then I turned the truck on and the brake sign on dashboardis on. What do I do???

[@briansmobile1]

Release the brake with the Brake lever. If the pedal doesn't pop up when you pull the release, pull it up by hand while pulling the release with the other hand.