as the title says...in my 04 when the first cold hit, the brakes stuck, then released after hittting and releasing the pedal a few times, but the dash light stayed on (kicking the wires in front of the rear wheel a few times resolved this problem) BUT I would prefer to avoid future issues so, ideas as to some preventative measures. I am leary of WD as it tends to attract dirt and probably would make the problem worse...so ideas?
cheers,
P

 

Are you sure it wasn't because you had water on them and it froze, after all it is only springs that return the brake to the release position.

I have also been told that if you don't use your e-brakes regularly this can become a regular problem.

 

no wet, just cold....
P

 

I've already replaced the short cable that goes to the drivers side tire because it was stuck. I've also taken apart both drums and had to separate the swiveling hook pieces that the cables attach to because they were rusted together. I use my e brake everyday and all this still happened so I'm also interested in some preventative maintenance.

 

I find using it too much is the same as not enough. Anti-seize the BEEJESUS out of that pivoting swivelling piece. Every so often, reach back there to see if it's released properly too.

 

I find the best way is to remove the cables and pump them full of grease then reinstall them.
Best if done when there new but ive done it on used too. All you need is 2 hose clamps and some 3/4 heater hose and a grease gun.

Unhook the ends of the cables so you can move the inner wire. Slide a ~3 inch section oh hose over the outer end of the cable and tighten a clamp on it. Slide the second clamp on it and put the grease gun in to the hose and clamp tight! Now pump the gun untill you feel oyour moving the grease have some one push and pull the inner wire from the other end while you pump make it go faster and works the grease in to the fibers of the wirer better. Keep pumping untill you get no air only grear out the other end.

After searching for 4 years for a cable for my 65 i did this and it about the only thing that still works on the truck......I miss it my 96 just anit the same.

44

 

The grease trick is a good one. But i have been driving for over 15 years and have NEVER had a E-brake cable freeze up on me. I use it EVERY time i park the truck. BTW all fords from rangers to duallys and no lube of any kind

 

My 65 was parked for many years with it on when i got it they were rust up tighter then a bulls .......
my new to me 96 150 sticks.
It would help if ford used a properly sized cable and not the 4 extra feet looped all over. My 96's are split right before they enter the backing plate. If thed been greases they'd still work... now there ER only.

44

 

It seems like somewhere my brakes are sticking. when I take my foot off the brake my truck barely moves. Maybe this could be the issue? What do you guys think? Thanks,

 

Not only check the cable but check to see if the pads seperated from the shoe. I had that happen to my 2000 4X4 Lariat. I could smell the lining burning.

Pulled the rotors and the pads came off in the rotor. This is my second problem with the e-brakes, so I am not replacing them. I have never set the e-brake on this truck in the six years I have owned it.

DaWG