Parking brake doesn't hold - Baer disc upgrade

spoulson · Feb 22, 2010

I have what I believe is the Baer 13" sport package on with 5 lugs that probably has ~10k miles on it. Since I bought the car, the parking brake has never held the car on even a mild incline.

I called up Baer to see what can be done, as there is no adjustment to the parking brake cable. They said I needed a new parking brake handle, since the self adjuster is worn out.

I just installed a new one bought from CJ Pony Parts and unfortunately for me, eventhough the handle seems to have more tension to it, the parking brake has not improved at all and still won't hold the car on my driveway.

I inspected all the cables and it looks like the previous owner installed new cables. What else could I try to correct this?

SpartaPerformance · Feb 22, 2010

Do the calipers work? Jack up the rear have somebody step on the brakes while you try to spin the wheel, if it moves then there is an issue with the caliper. If its doesn't spin then there is a problem in the cables someplace.

Shakerhood · Feb 23, 2010

You can do the handbrake mods and do away with the self adjuster in the handle.

spoulson · Feb 23, 2010

As far as the calipers working, I believe they do. When in the garage, I engage the parking brake and then try to push the car. It tries to hold, but it lets me budge the car.

The explanation from Baer is that disc brakes take a different amount of force to operate than drum brakes. Technically speaking, drum brakes are better for braking, which is why they're used on semis. Of course they will suck when heat soaked from hard braking. The handbrake is designed to operate a drum brake, not disc brakes. Is this an accurate observation?

I'm not willing to modify the handbrake if I didn't have to. It appears the handbrake is able to put a good pull on the cable.

Anyway, I'm going to take another look at the calipers and make sure they're operating properly. Thanks for the tips.

ddt4436 · Feb 23, 2010

My 1990 gt is doing the same thing! I had the cable replaced but now my handle is firm and still the car rolls..........?

Mustang5L5 · Feb 23, 2010

The handbrake is designed for drums. You need to modify it by removing the self adjuster mechanism and installing a FMS adjustable center cable assuming the Baer brakes use the same style "T" connection.

Then, you simply tighten the nut up to adjust the hand brake. It does take a few times as the cables do stretch, but there is no reason why you can't get the parking brake to hold the car on a steep incline.

I modded my handle, run the adjustable center cable and my Cobra rear setup will hold my car fine on a 45* slope.

Shakerhood · Feb 24, 2010

My Stang hold great since doing the disc conversion and handbrake mods.

Parking brake doesn't hold - Baer disc upgrade

spoulson

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Parking brake doesn't hold - Baer disc upgrade

spoulson

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spoulson

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That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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