Safety Brake

[gordMTL]

2005 Magnum SXT AWD

I've got 60,000 KM (38,000 miles) on my Mag, and have had continual problems with the safety brake. I can push it all the way to the floor, yet it won't hold the weight on even the slightest incline. I've brought it in several times, and they cleaned it each time (for a fee, of course!) Their only advice was to use it more often. Since my driveway has a slight incline, I use it daily!

I last brought it in 2 weeks ago, and at first it was fine, but has since started to slip again. I'm going to try and bring it back to the dealer again, but as I am now out of warranty, I am not too hopeful.

Any thoughts?

Gord

[djc208]

How are you testing this?
The parking brake is probably a small drum style brake in the middle of the rear disk. They've never worked well. I would guess that part of the problem is they do get dirty and rusty since they don't see any operation that would clean or wear the surface.
You might try putting the parking brake on just slightly at low speeds while driving. For instance drive down a side street at 15 or 25 mph and put the e-brake on just enough that you can feel it start to engage. Leave it that way for a block or two and then take it off. This will clean off the mating surfaces and help seat the shoes.
See if it works, and if so then do it whenever they start to act up again.

[gordMTL]

I use it all the time, and it seems that the pedal goes further and further down until it bottoms out. At that point, it will have no holding power on even the slightest hill. I'll try your recommendation and let you know!