Parking Brake release mechanism

[TexasEd 200]

My 1969 Mustang parking brake /  emergency brake release mechanism that is attached to the pedal is not working properly.

When I pull the handle the pedal flies forward like it was shot out of a cannon and the brake releases but the handle does not return to the “in” position it just stays pulled out.  If you push on the pedal while the handle is out the teeth do not engage and the brake won’t lock.  I have to manually push the handle back in to get it to work the next time. 

Can anyone share what I need to do here?  I con’t find anything that shows a spring for the handle return.  Could it just be gummed up and needs a cleaning and lubrication?

[Mike65 505]

I would give it a good lubing & see if that helps.

[bigmal 230]

Have a look at the return spring on the handle and see if it is collapsed or broken. Otherwise as Mike said, lube.

[TexasEd 200]

I don't think there is a spring.  I can't find mention of one or a part for sale.  Can anyone give me a good picture of what it is supposed to look like?

 

[bigmal 230]

Quote

 

The spring is visible at the bottom. My brake has been modified in the picture as part of my right hand drive conversion so some things may look a little odd.

[TexasEd 200]

Thanks,  That looks like the bar goes through the spring and compresses the spring when pulled.  My bar is bare there and has no spring on it.  I don't know if I can get a new spring on it if I even had one.

 

It looks like the bar may have been rewelded back on after breaking at some point.  May have been when it was stored at my dad's house.

[bigmal 230]

10 minutes ago, TexasEd said:

Thanks,  That looks like the bar goes through the spring and compresses the spring when pulled.  My bar is bare there and has no spring on it.  I don't know if I can get a new spring on it if I even had one.

 

It looks like the bar may have been rewelded back on after breaking at some point.  May have been when it was stored at my dad's house.

Sounds like that's the problem. Shouldn't be too hard to fit a spring.

[TexasEd 200]

Where would I get a spring?  It seems that the right size and set for compression is essential here.

[bigmal 230]

7 minutes ago, TexasEd said:

Where would I get a spring?  It seems that the right size and set for compression is essential here.

I would think that a generic spring would do the trick. Something from an assorted spring kit. It's not too high tech. You may have to experiment and cut one down to suit.

[barnett468 418]

Hardware stores have springs but you may have to buy one that is too long then cut it to length.

[ThePoose 40]

I found a nearly exact match to the original at Ace Hardware, assuming all Ace Hardware have the same spring offerings.  My local one has a rack of drawers with different size springs.  

You'll also want something to hold the spring in place and give it something to push against.  I used a rubber grommet.

[skidmarky 50]

PM me if your repair doesn't work, I have a couple e brake assemblies.

[fastmerc 0]

Old post....old problem!   New to me.....

Bigmal:  LOVE your fix to hold that spring in place.   Factory used a wimpy little plastic bushing.......they needed the bushing AND your clip to last!!!!!

ThePoose:   You screwed the Pooche here by not telling the rest of us the dimensions or even the part number of the ACE part you found...... :))))

Would have been terribly helpful sort of post......  Glad you found something.....now I need to drag my assembly into ACE and dig.......

One more question......  How did you manage to get the spring back onto the shaft.....    thread it in thru the front hole, or bend things to take the bits apart and put it back together again???

Cheers!!!

[ThePoose 40]

Wow. Is that really how you want to come at this?

[TexasEd 200]

I bent the tabs open and disassembled the parts in the way of adding the spring. Been fine for several years now 

bought an assortment of springs and found the right size