2000 Parking Brake Doesn't Work

I left mine too long, and the remaining brake pad was insufficent to hold the vehicle in place. I had the rear brakes and parking brake re-done, and the vehicle now holds in place fine. It did cost a large amount of $$, as just about every component on the brakes needed to be replaced (calipers for rear disc/shoes for parking brake/pads etc.)but it's all fixed now and works well.

I'd humbly suggest that you visit another dealer.

Paul

Thanks. The shoes are not the problem here. Dealer stated they were in good shape (less than 1 year old). I also forgot to mention that my Explorer is a 5-speed standard transmission, making it more critical to have good hold on the brakes.

An entire rebuild of the brakes is not an option for me. A more practical solution is to trade it in on an SUV that is engineered a bit better.

Unless you live in San Francisco or similar, I can't be sure what the trouble is. The usual test for E-brakes (with manual trans) is to see if you can stall the motor.... (e-brake applied, let out the clutch). I haven't heard of any short-comings with any park brakes...... Ma Ford wouldn't like short-comings with park brakes.... the liability would be a company killer. If your current shop cannot offer a resolution to your concern, I would suggest getting a second opinion.

Just a comment, I have never been thrilled with the parking brake in my '97 XLT with manual trans. It rarely will hold the vehicle on its own on a hill of any size even when really stomping down on the pedal. I've had the shoes replaced and the cable adjusted, but it still doesn't work very well and made little difference. I suspect the cable just binds somehow, or doesn't have the right mechanical advantage to those little drums. The truck is so reliable and comfortable otherwise that I have just tolerated this...always leaving it in gear when parked of course.

=Vic= Bear Gap, PA