E Brake Commando

I searched the Commando forums for this- didn't try any of the others, but anyone have ideas on how to get the stuck ebrake handle loose? The cables work under the jeep, so I know it's in the handle. Looks like they added a plate for length for the lift the PO did. I was thinking of soaking it in penetrating oil to see if it would free.

 

They're all like that. PB Blaster might help free it up. Easy enough to drop down too, make it a little easier to clean the crude out. Could be the front cable is seized which is the more likely culprit but it could be that too.

 

Yeah PB is the s&*%. I'll try that- was going to take the whole thing apart, but I'll try to spray that down first.

 

Just to clarify, all the Jeepster emerg handles have that piece welded on. But most of them are seized up too .

 

Good to know! I thought mebbe the PO might have added some for length.

 

If the cable is bad go to jeepdoc.com. They have them new in stock.

 

Thanks. I still haven't tried the PB Blaster yet- today may be the day! I spent the whole day yesterday driving it to a friend's party in a neighboring county and "got lost" on back country roads getting there. Was a lot of fun. Very hot here though....:v6:

 

The E-Brake handle on my CJ was very difficult to pull in and out, Harder to get back in once pulled. I tried some spray lube but it did not seem very effective.
I finally removed the handle and tube from under the dash and found that over the years dust had accumulated and combined with moisture forming a cement like coating inside the tube effectively jamming the rod in the tube.
Oil and solvents wont cut this compacted dust/cement stuff, You will have to disassemble the tube and rod ( mine was a real @#%& to pull/twist the rod out of the tube ) and scrape it out.
If spray lube does not work this may what you are looking at.

 

Good Advice- thanks

 

Since a Commando uses a D20, I'd expect it has cable operated brakes acting on the rear shoes. In my experience, to set this type of brake, you need to stomp on the brake pedal and pull on the umbrella handle at the same time. Then you are only taking the slack out of the cable, operating sort of like a mechanical line lock. If you can't set the brakes this way, I'd expect the cables and handle are corroded and need to be cleaned up (per Brian P's advice).

Note the stomp-pull technique won't help on a CJ with the D18-mounted brake.

 

Tried stomp and pull after I shot some PB into the unit. I moved a little bit, but not enough. I think I will try Brian P's idea next, seems logical.

Any ideas on where to find shifter boots? I think the CJ boots will work on the transmission, but the transfer case shifter boot looks entirely different. Mine's completely mangled (on both commandos), so I don't have a template for either making a new one or trying to find OEM/aftermarket. I saw a used set go on ebay last week for over $50....

 

Can't help with the boot issue, though I'd look at local big truck supply houses....
Regarding the park brake, if you can't get it to work, pm me. I think I have a good one at home that I'm not likely to use for a Commando. Nickmil