emergency brake maintenance?

[greg_atlanta]

Is there any routine maintenance that should be done on the emergency brake? Should the pads need to be replaced at some point? ('92 Q)

I set mine if I park anywhere but a perfectly level surface... often forget to disengage it and car still moves, albiet sluggishly. Think I'm wearing out the pads?

Anybody priced out emergency brake pads before?

Does cable mechanism need to be adjusted or lubricated? Mine just feels sloppy, though seems to work fine.

[Q451990]

I've adjusted the cable for mine before. They weren't engaging all that well and caused a creaking sound from the back of the car when I'd get out of the car - or especially with rear passengers. There's a definate difference in the ebrake pedal height on Q1 and Q2, but I think a lot of it is cable stretch. You can adjust the cable with an adjustment near the rear seat area under the car - pretty simple, just make sure not to over tighten and have the shoes in constant contact with the drum section of the rotor!

Heath

[mortimer9]

Heath Replacing Q45 master cyclinder today(leaks).Can you give me sequence of wheels.Does the booster or abs require bleeding? kevin

[Q451990]

Left Rear, Right Rear, Left Front, Right Front, Front Line on ABS, Rear Line on ABS. Q45Tech has mentioned that sometime air will collect in the lines between the ABS and master cylinder and you might want to loosen those lines and bleed them down into a rag, but I've never had to do that.

Heath

[mortimer9]

Heath,thanks for your prompt response.We replaced the cyclinder & bled the brakes and the abs front and rear.Queston-With the engine off,the brake pedal is high and firm,but when I start the engine,the pedal goes soft and low!The car stops Ok at speed. kevin

[Q451990]

I think it's normal for the pedal to soften some when you turn the car on... that's part of the power assist. If it's substantially different than before you started your work - I'd be concerned, but you're probably fine.

Heath

[mortimer9]

Heath,thanks for your advise.We repeated the bleed and got the same results.We're getting ready to sell the 92Q and want it right.I bought a 96Q with 34000mi.IT's brake pedal does go down when starting the engine though not near as far. Kevin

[don5154]

The E brake will some times glaze from getting too hot. Replace shoes if too week.