[allanmacaulay]

I dunno if tightening it is actually what you do, but anyways...my emergency brake hasn't been great since I got it but now it doesn't hold my jeep at all. I know the cable isn't snapped because when I pull it all the way up it slows the jeep a little lol. anyone have a write up because I don't know much about these systems so a step by step would be great. Thanks

[newracer]

Adjust the rear brakes before you do any other adjustments.

[flatlander757]

If you have drums in the rear, adjust them out so there is a bit of drag when you spin them by hand.

If you have disc brakes in the rear OR you already did the above, then take a 13mm wrench to the e-brake splitter/Y cable under the Jeep to tighten things up.

[Skeezer]

X2, you might need rear brakes.

[Jonny Jeep]

The nut at the cable splitter shouldn't be adjusted...

PARKING BRAKE CABLE TENSIONER
NOTE: Parking brake adjustment is only necessary
when the tensioner, or a cable has been replaced or
disconnected for service.

ADJUSTMENT WITH ADJUSTING TOOL
(1) Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.
(2) Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated
freely.
(3) Remove plug from each access hole in brake
support plates.
(4) Loosen parking brake cable adjustment nut
until there is slack in front cable.
(5) Insert adjusting tool through support plate
access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting
screw star wheel (Fig. 62).
(6) Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool
handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when
wheel is rotated.
(7) Push and hold adjuster lever away from star
wheel with thin screwdriver.
(8) Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake
drag is eliminated.
(9) Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure
adjustment is equal at both wheels.
(10) Install support plate access hole plugs.
(11) Adjust parking brake cable and lower vehicle.
(12) Drive vehicle and make one forward stop followed
by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10
times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize
adjustment.
NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each
stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate
automatic adjusters.

[allanmacaulay]

thanks, looks like im bringing it in to get my brakes done...

[BYuen]

Sometimes the auto adjusters get a little out of whack. Sometimes it will work if you put it in reverse and then jam the brakes. I've had to do that a few times short of actually going in with a brake spoon to adjust the drums so my e-brake would hold on an incline.

[Twizted]

OK I know I have an 8.8 with discs so this is not for me. But didn't number 11 in those instructions state to adjust the cable? Kinda ironic isn't it. Anyways to the OP check out your rear brakes and if needed just adjust the cable at the "Y" connector as stated earlier.

[alecmcmahon]

I've recently tightened my ebrake at the cable splitter, gave it a good 10 turns and now the ebrake is tight, was this the wrong way? What damage could be done like this ??? I haven't had any issues so far

[Twizted]

No your fine just remember that if you replace your rear brakes you will most likely need to adjust your cable back out.

[Pillswoj]

Adjusting the rear brakes themselves will also give you a firmer pedal (they don't have to travel as far) and improved overall braking.

To the OP, adjusting them is easy, I wouldn't take it to a shop. I would pull the drums off and inspect the shoes, clean everything with brake cleaner and adjust them, it should only take 15 mins and is easy.

I don't know of too many Tj's in which the "auto" adjusters actually work, I adjust mine every oil change.

[ehowell]

Get under your Jeep and locate the parking brake cable. On my 2003, it runs about down the middle. Behind the transfer case and forward of the rear axle, you will see that the cable is joined by a cable adjustment bracket. It is about 3-4 inches long, and kinda looks like a squashed oval. It is threaded on each end. The brake cable has two threaded bolts crimped on each end, and each end is threaded into the oval. Get a pair of vice grips and clamp them on the bolt located at the front end of the Jeep (don't damage the threads). The vice grips will keep the cable from turning while you tighten the oval adjustment bracket. Next, slip a large screwdriver into the slot of the oval adjustment bracket and trun clockwise to take out some slack. Give it a few turns, then try the parking brake lever to see how it "feels". Continue until it is to your liking. There is proably a tool for adjusting the bracket, but a pair of vice grips and a screwdriver works fine.

[Pillswoj]

Originally Posted by ehowell

Get under your Jeep and locate the parking brake cable. On my 2003, it runs about down the middle. Behind the transfer case and forward of the rear axle, you will see that the cable is joined by a cable adjustment bracket. It is about 3-4 inches long, and kinda looks like a squashed oval. It is threaded on each end. The brake cable has two threaded bolts crimped on each end, and each end is threaded into the oval. Get a pair of vice grips and clamp them on the bolt located at the front end of the Jeep (don't damage the threads). The vice grips will keep the cable from turning while you tighten the oval adjustment bracket. Next, slip a large screwdriver into the slot of the oval adjustment bracket and trun clockwise to take out some slack. Give it a few turns, then try the parking brake lever to see how it "feels". Continue until it is to your liking. There is proably a tool for adjusting the bracket, but a pair of vice grips and a screwdriver works fine.

Sorry but Wrong You have to adjust the brakes themselves, if after the brakes are properly adjusted there is slack in the cable then you can adjust the cable to remove slack.

[ehowell]

I agree Pillswoj, you should check the brakes first, but if there is slack in the cable, this is how I have done it.

[allanmacaulay]

old thread but anyways...I ended up getting the brakes checked and I need new shoes and wheel cylinders.