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E brake problem?

Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:48 pm
by race_to_live
on a 91 turbo sedan, when im driving down the road and pull the e brake, (doesn't matter if i pull it fast or slow) it makes a loud bang. it sounds like something all the sudden just grabs. could the brake cable its self just be worn out?

Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:57 pm
by skid542
The geometry of the brake shoes will cause it grab very hard.

I'm assuming you are pulling the e-brake on account of police presence? Also, as a heads up incase you weren't already aware - pulling the e-brake to lock the rears to initiate rotation is not too friendly on your tranny.

Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 7:24 pm
by vica153
Yeah that bang is you center diff trying to jump out and beat your head in for being such an idiot.

Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 7:26 pm
by vica153
Oh and when you center diff goes or you go sideways into a tree, can I have your rear diff?

Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:10 pm
by race_to_live
i was just talking about the brake grabbing, i didn't say i was some jackass that drives and then slides around corners. i was just wondering what is goin on becuase i just bought the car ,and it all happened because i pulled the brake a little too early when i was pulling into my parking spot and it made a bad sound, i figured that it would screw someting up, but i don't know, that being why i asked.

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:05 pm
by vica153
LOL ok, regardless of what the circumstances were, pulling the E-brake while the car is in any sort of motion can only do bad things. It is designed to lock up the rear wheels. If the front wheels continue to turn when the rears are locked, everything in between is going to be very unhappy.

Now if the the e-brake is making noises when you use it at a complete stop, then there could be something wrong and you should inspect the system and pinpoint the cause of the noise.

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:05 pm
by vica153
Oh and I still want youre rear diff.

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:14 pm
by skid542
I wouldn't sweet the quick pull, we all have done it. I figured that was the case or you were using it to slow down for a cop without showing brake lights (I've done this a few times...)

The noise you are hearing is likely just the hard quick engagement. Unless it's making rough squeely noises or something that just screams 'not right', I think you're fine. If you're nervous, pull the rear wheel and undo the two bolts that hold the brake bracket on (you can do with without opening the caliper/pulling pads) and then the rotor will come right off - make sure the e-brake is off :). That will give you a clear view of the linkage and the slop that is likely being removed aggressively and making the noise.

FYI, if you're wondering why Vica keeps saying he want's your rear diff, the 91's had an optional real limited slip diff, VSLD.

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:58 pm
by race_to_live
haha, i figured that is why he wanted it. on the rear end subject, i read that only the early 91's had the limited slip. the first thing i looked for on the car when i bought it was if it had one lol. i thought there would be a sticker or something on the diff if it was a limited slip. if there should be a sticker, i don't have it, thus thinking my rear end is not one of the good ones.

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:06 pm
by evolutionmovement
I've stretched my cable out pulling the brake while driving in the snow (fwd) and that's about the only issue it should cause brake-wise. To inspect the brake shoes, you might have to pop the rubber access cover off the back and use a screwdriver to turn the paddle-armed nut to back the shoes off the inside of the drums as they seat themselves into it as they wear and that will stop you removing the rotor unless you want to risk tearing up the shoe linkages.