Help. I went to change out the wheels this morning to take some pics for Joe Z as promised. Had to run the left side on some boards to get enough height for the floor jack. Able to jack the entire side from the left rear jacking point. Wheels swapped easy enough, right side had enough clearance from the left side boards where I could jack the car without moving it off the left side boards. Tightened wheels, got the car down (still on boards on left side), torqued and thought all was good. Went in to cool off, came out an hour later to move the car off the boards and go for a ride. I cannot get the parking brake to release. I have pulled up, pulled slightly to both side, etc. No prior indication of any problems other than needing to pull up pretty high for release. So, where do I look to release the parking brake? One of the rear wheels (which means getting it back on the jack and pulling a wheel)? If it makes a difference, it's a t. Thanks. Regards, Jerry
gsfent: Try removing the cover from the parking brake release lever. It has two or three screws attaching it to the floor. Pull up on the lever/handle and realign the ratchet pawl under the lever. You will have to push the pawl on way or the other with your finger. Line the pawl up with the lever teeth, then release the lever. It should release the brake. The pawl can slip off to the side (ie: worn a bit), which you apparently were able to compensate for by moving the lever from side to side, to get it to engage. When you pull up on the lever when using the brake, try to pull straight up and the pawl should stay in place. If that doesn't work, you won't hurt anything, but I hope it fixes your problem. Good luck, DRG
Thanks. I figured out that the parking brake works on the rear wheels. So, off I went to take the rears off again. This time, I jacked up the rear by the diff cover to get both wheels off the ground at once. Once I took the wheels off,I crawled under the left side and I could see the brake cable under the left side going to the rear. It was TIGHT!! Working the release from inside the car wasn't working, so I ended up getting out of the car and using both hands to press the release button in, finally got it to release!! I think the button wasn't getting pushed in far enough because I couldn't generate enough force anymore. Something must have been stuck. Some silicone spray, and working it a few times, and it now seems much easier to work. I didn't pull up as high, and the brakes seem to be holding, but I will keep an eye on it. Button seems easier to push in. I usually park in gear (2nd), so I will do that also. I am keeping your information and I will probably check the alignment when I have some time. I mean, it is only a 20+ year old car, what could possibly go wrong?? Regards, Jerry
I recently replaced my brake shoes and calibrated the adjust bolt, now holds on any steep hill! Sounds like you sorted out your issue, but if you need to see how the shoes are put together, here is the thread I posted: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361985
