Emergency brake problem

[dabruin15]

It goes up and actually works, but it wont hold on a hill at all. It doesn't even have to be steep. Is it just loose? How do I fix this?

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

It goes up and actually works, but it wont hold on a hill at all. It doesn't even have to be steep. Is it just loose? How do I fix this?

If it is just loose, you can tighten thebolt on the brake handle. slipt the leather cover back, you will see a washer that rides ona bolt (10mm). there you can tighten.
if it is tight (you should only be able to lift it for 7 clicks max), and still does not hold, you need to inspect the brake mechanism in the rear drums.
also check the cable, that it is attached on the levers behind the backing plate.
j

 

[2mbb]

You may also need to tighten the rear drums. While this is supposed to be happening automatically when you use the hand brake, your auto-adjuster may be broken or frozen.

 

[euclid]

All above is good advice assuming you have good rear brake shoes. That's a good place to start. Pull the rear wheels off, then pull the brake drums off. They won't come off if the e-brake is engaged. If they don't just pull off, hit them with a hammer.

 

[Tinker]

Bet your bellcranks are corroded.

 

[dabruin15]

ok, I will try it.

 

[Rosscanup]

If the bellcranks are corroded put them in a vise and beat the hell out of them until they free up. Then take them apart, remove the rust and coat them and fill the dust boot with grease. Mine was frozen when I bought it. That's fixed it for the last 4 years.