1972 Satellite -info required - Hand brake rachet not working

[MFP]

Hi , just wondered if anyone can help me please
My 72 satellite parking brake ( the foot operated rachet pedal ) is not working - the rachet mechanism is not " clicking down " - the brakes " apply" but the pedal does not lock down and "hold" , it just returns to the " off / UP" position.
Any info greatly appreciated or links to a repair kit / repro mechanism OR is it a simple fix / new spring etc
Many thanks - feel free to pm me

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I've had the same problem. Did the pedal ever "lock" in place? Does your emergency brake release lever stick out a little further than it used to?

The release lever is spring loaded & there's a long spring wrapped around it. Immediately behind the handle there's a hole in the bracket about the size of a nickel. The spring on the lever (really an "arm" or "rod") behind the handle will "poke through" that hole IF the little retaining clip (slightly larger than a nickel) isn't present or is broken.

The spring is supposed to push up against that nickel-sized "clip" & keep tension on the spring. If the clip is missing, the spring just pokes out through the hole behind the handle in the bracket & doesn't allow the emergency brake to "click locked".

To see if you have this situation, PUSH FORWARD on the emergency brake handle while you're pushing down on the pedal. If it does not "click lock" in place, then you have the same problem I did. The emergency brake will release just fine, but you have to push the handle forward to lock it in place.

It's awkward to get in there and replace that clip. I fixed mine by buying two hardware store washers and cut a slot in each of them so instead of a "hole in the center" I have a "U-shaped cut-out" on both of them. Then I slipped them onto the arm of the emergency brake handle (behind the bracket with the hole), turned the two "U-shaped cut-outs" different directions and used some JB Weld to glue the two modified washers together. This basically let me "build a solid washer" behind the bracket without having to take the whole thing apart. Simple & cheap.

 

[MFP]

I've had the same problem. Did the pedal ever "lock" in place? Does your emergency brake release lever stick out a little further than it used to?

The release lever is spring loaded & there's a long spring wrapped around it. Immediately behind the handle there's a hole in the bracket about the size of a nickel. The spring on the lever (really an "arm" or "rod") behind the handle will "poke through" that hole IF the little retaining clip (slightly larger than a nickel) isn't present or is broken.

The spring is supposed to push up against that nickel-sized "clip" & keep tension on the spring. If the clip is missing, the spring just pokes out through the hole behind the handle in the bracket & doesn't allow the emergency brake to "click locked".

To see if you have this situation, PUSH FORWARD on the emergency brake handle while you're pushing down on the pedal. If it does not "click lock" in place, then you have the same problem I did. The emergency brake will release just fine, but you have to push the handle forward to lock it in place.

It's awkward to get in there and replace that clip. I fixed mine by buying two hardware store washers and cut a slot in each of them so instead of a "hole in the center" I have a "U-shaped cut-out" on both of them. Then I slipped them onto the arm of the emergency brake handle (behind the bracket with the hole), turned the two "U-shaped cut-outs" different directions and used some JB Weld to glue the two modified washers together. This basically let me "build a solid washer" behind the bracket without having to take the whole thing apart. Simple & cheap.

Hi mate , thanks for the prompt reply and info - very appreciated
The pedal has never stayed down and locked - it's the pedal rachet that seems to be the issue , having only just got the car from the u.s.a it's currently at a workshop, so I'm relaying the info as I've been told , where it's being prepped for its 'M.O.T' ( u.k. government vehicle test of road worthiness ) ..... I'll relay the info you've given me to the mechanic , fingers crossed we can repair it

 

[Tori]

I'm a total newb to Mopars, but i had this same condition on a GM with the same style mechanism. Once i took it off to replace it, turned out all it needed was cleaning out the old, sticky grease. Once that was done, it worked properly. The old lube had gotten so thick and dried out it wasn't allowing the release cog to return and re-engage the teeth on the pedal. Maybe that will help. Cheers !

 

[MFP]

Hi mate , many thanks for your reply , hopefully I'll be getting my registration number this week or next so I can bring the car home from storage and have a play !
Is that your Plymouth in your member profile picture ?

 

[Tori]

Hi mate , many thanks for your reply , hopefully I'll be getting my registration number this week or next so I can bring the car home from storage and have a play !
Is that your Plymouth in your member profile picture ?

If you are asking me... yes that's my car. Well sort of... LOL I just bought it, and it's being delivered. Could be a couple weeks before it's in my grubby hands though.