Emergency Break

[evrenosogullari]

So I inherited my 1980 Fiat FI with a non-working e-break and have been driving that way for some time... but now thinking it might be a safe route to get that thing fixed. Currently its been zip tied up and out of commission.

I have no idea how the e-brake works other than that when its engaged it seems to force a kind of piston against the back of the wheel?

My mechanic put the car up on a lift and was saying that when the e-brake is engaged it doesn't push hard enough or something against the wheel... so wouldn't really stop the car. He's not sure what exactly is wrong with it that they would tie it up.

Is there a schematic or something of how the ebrake works that I could give to him? Assuming I couldn't do it myself....

Any help is much appreicated!

[evrenosogullari]

Here's a video I took while the car was hoisted up:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K_6_0_ ... sp=sharing

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I have no idea how the e-brake works other than that when its engaged it seems to force a kind of piston against the back of the wheel?

Yes, the emergency brake pushes a piston inside the rear brake caliper, against the brake pads, which then "clamp" the brake rotor and prevent the wheel from turning. It's the same action as using your regular brakes, just with a mechanical cable rather than hydraulic fluid.

The emergency brakes on these cars have confounded many, but they can be fixed. My suggestion is to find a mechanic who knows how to do this.

-Bryan

[evrenosogullari]

A quick note I did find an Italian mechanic in LIC who seems promising - and will probably be able to take the car to him next week! Seems like no other way since I'm groping in the dark here... Will post any interesting developments....

[18Fiatsandcounting]

A quick note I did find an Italian mechanic in LIC who seems promising - and will probably be able to take the car to him next week! Seems like no other way since I'm groping in the dark here... Will post any interesting developments....

Let us know how it works out. On these cars, the emergency brake mechanism often stops working because the automatic adjustment system (inside the caliper) stops working and then as the brake pads wear down over time, the emergency brake eventually stops working. Hopefully your new mechanic can fix this.

-Bryan

[evrenosogullari]

Thank you Will do!

Explain to me why we should give you advice for free and yet your mechanic gets paid to do it? Have him figure it out or come back when you DIY.

^ Feeling jaded today? - going to ignore your ignorant comment!

[SteinOnkel]

Thank you Will do!

Explain to me why we should give you advice for free and yet your mechanic gets paid to do it? Have him figure it out or come back when you DIY.

^ Feeling jaded today? - going to ignore your ignorant comment!

Evidently not!

[evrenosogullari]

Thank you Will do!

Explain to me why we should give you advice for free and yet your mechanic gets paid to do it? Have him figure it out or come back when you DIY.

^ Feeling jaded today? - going to ignore your ignorant comment!

Evidently not!

Let me clarify... enough to tell you that you should be ignored
I wouldn't be surprised if you also have road rage issues

[SteinOnkel]

For someone claiming to ignore me, you sure talk to me a lot.

Now quit it and go pay someone to fix one of the simplest brake systems ever fitted to a car.

[evrenosogullari]

Was indeed the rear break caliper that was bad...
Replacing it seems to have the thing working again.

[evrenosogullari]

For someone claiming to ignore me, you sure talk to me a lot.

Now quit it and go pay someone to fix one of the simplest brake systems ever fitted to a car.

You're a sad dude

[RRoller123]

guys, give it a "brake", eh? this is just about the calmest forum any of us have ever been on.