Possible Parking Brake Problem

[poemteegra]

I purchased my '07 Ridgeline (new) about two months ago and have racked up about 2500 miles on it.

Up until last weekend, the parking brake seemed to be working normally and would only require a medium amount of pressure to "activate" or just put the parking brake on.

Sometime this week I noticed that I would use the same amount of medium pressure, depressing the parking brake down about halfway, and it would feel like the parking brake wasn't even on. So I parked in my driveway - with a slight grade - put the truck in neutral, put a medium amount of pressure to push the parking brake down about halfway, and let go of the brake. It was as if the parking brake was on, but only applying a fraction of the braking power it used to.

So I tried it again, this time using alot more force to get the parking brake down all the way. With the parking brake down all the way, it seemed to be fine and it didn't let my truck roll at all.

So to summarize this all up; it now requires about twice the force (putting the parking brake all the way down) to get the same stopping power that I was getting previously (while only putting the parking brake down about halfway).

IS THIS A PROBLEM? Or does this normally happen with new vehicles/trucks after you put some miles on it? (This is my first new car/truck that I've owned)

Your responses are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[ChrisM]

I'd take it to the dealer and have them check it. That doesn't sound normal.

[dk miller]

I use my parking brake frequently and the pedal is now lower than it was when new. I attribute this to normal wear in of the friction material. I plan to have it adjusted on my next service.
I suggest you just ask the dealer to inspect yours and if no defects are apparent adjust the travel.

[Webwader]

I use my parking brake frequently and the pedal is now lower than it was when new. I attribute this to normal wear in of the friction material.

Since it's a parking brake and only used when the wheels aren't turning, there should be no wear on the friction material. Cable stretch is more likely the cause of your lower pedal. Friction material wear would occur if you drove with the parking brake on but since the RL has a very audible warning if you do this, I doubt it has happened.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by Webwader

Since it's a parking brake and only used when the wheels aren't turning, there should be no wear on the friction material. Cable stretch is more likely the cause of your lower pedal. Friction material wear would occur if you drove with the parking brake on but since the RL has a very audible warning if you do this, I doubt it has happened.

The parking break is a drum style break. It can "freeze" causing drag. I would take it to have it looked at. Especially since the OP mentioned the "burning break" smell.

[Webwader]

Good point Mike. I was just referring to dk millers post.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by Webwader

Good point Mike. I was just referring to dk millers post.

Oooppsss, gotcha... I guess I should spend more time reading

[poemteegra]

Originally Posted by Webwader

Since it's a parking brake and only used when the wheels aren't turning, there should be no wear on the friction material. Cable stretch is more likely the cause of your lower pedal. Friction material wear would occur if you drove with the parking brake on but since the RL has a very audible warning if you do this, I doubt it has happened.

Cable stretch?

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by poemteegra

Cable stretch?

The parking break has a physical cable to actuates it. The cable can stretch, but can also be adjusted if needed.

[evolution 1]

Get them adjusted first. Its really easy, remove the rear wheel and you will see a small rubber plug next to the wheel studs on the hub. shine a light in there as you spin the disc untill you see the star wheel or gear like looking thing. Turn it up or downwards until you feel a drag on the disc. Back it off a little and you are done for one side. Now go to the other wheel. After you are done adjusting the brakes take the truck for a drive and apply the parking brakes several times for three seconds as you are driving about 40 mph or so. This will clean and wear the parking brake shoes to the shape of the drum whithin the rotor. You will be amazed at the results!