Thread: Park Brake Failure in D3

Have just adjusted my rear brakes because of screeching when applying handbrake All forums noted to adjust brakes every service. eventually handbrake lock up & very costly modules for each side if left to long. looking at your travels & towing might mean adjustment more often. cheers Zedd

Also when testing - test in low ratio cheers

If you have the tools to get the rear calipers and discs off and you know what you're doing I'd suggest doing that, cleaning up an gunk and then re adjust your park brake once the disc is back on.

If you can't do that, all you need is a screwdriver to adjust them after the wheels are off, tighten it all the way then loosen it 9 clicks. Should sort it out, have done this many times.

The first time the epb lever is pulled after the mechanical release has been used, the brake controller will re-connect the cables (if it can) and thereafter the EPB is again operational if the mechanism isn't siezed. That first use of the lever does not attempt to apply the handbrake, only to re-connect the cables, which should stop the flashing light if its successful. It doesn't fix the original problem though.

Originally Posted by LRTech23

If you have the tools to get the rear calipers and discs off and you know what you're doing I'd suggest doing that, cleaning up an gunk and then re adjust your park brake once the disc is back on.

If you can't do that, all you need is a screwdriver to adjust them after the wheels are off, tighten it all the way then loosen it 9 clicks. Should sort it out, have done this many times.

That's what I was worried you'd say. Spoke to a couple of people today and will head on to Cairns to get it checked out properly.
Thanks anyway.

Thanks Graeme. It didn't reconnect, can hear the motor trying to re-establish contact, so likely out of adjustment. Will get to Cairns and get someone to have a proper look as not first time EPB has given me grief. Seems to be a big problem on Brit and US forums, not so much on this one????

Originally Posted by Hamma

Seems to be a big problem on Brit and US forums, not so much on this one????

Do a search and you will change your mind.

After reading issues on this forum I have stopped using my handbrake except for those situations where it is really needed. For around town etc - Park is good enough to hold the car.

Garry

EPB is a lot better than it used to be but you still get the odd screamer!!! The screaming comes from the actuator, up above the diff but it is generally crud caught between the shoe & the drum which causes it. As such, it is probably more common to see issues in cars used off-road.

IIRC - It is mentioned in the manual that if you use the car off-road, you need to service the hand brake more regularly.

Releasing

Sometimes, you can release by pressing the switch down and cycling the ignition. If it hasn't released after a couple of attempts then you'll have to pull the cable.

On the D4, you need to remove the centre cup holders to reveal a flap. Undo the 2x philips screws, lift the flap and this will expose the looped end of the release cable. Stick something strong through the loop and give it a hard yank.

The D3 is similar but it is a little more involved with removing the centre console trim. (I've not had to do one myself, so I can't give you the details off-hand.)

Once released, try not to re-apply until serviced. Just use the 'P' or leave it in gear.

M