Emergency brake issue

[bliss]

I have an older ERA - the emergency brake really doesn't work - it only engages about 1 " (off and on) - and it's old. I would like to replace it and "fix" it so that is works well. Is there a kit for this from ERA? Since I'll have to have a mechanic complete this task - what would be the approx. cost? Thanks.

[Dangerous Doug]

The best access to the E-brake is via the cockpit after the tunnel has been removed. If I recall correctly there is one cable from the E-brake handle that goes to an adjustable bracket that leads to two cables, one for each brake.

So, adjustments are at the 1-to-2 bracket mentioned above, and at each wheel. A good mechanic will check to see what he can get adjusting at the wheels. THEN go to the effort of removing the two seats, easing back the carpet and removing the tunnel.

It really sounds like yours needs adjustment.

The only problem I had on my E-brake was the press-on bead at the end of the E-brake cable from the handle pulled off. ERA replaced the cable (my Cobra was brand-new at the time) and I fixed it myself. This is not too difficult to do yourself.

Cheers,
DD

[strictlypersonl]

Very early cars used an XKE compensator, later cars used an ERA design. Very likely though, the emergency brake levers have internal parts that may need cleaning and a lube job. That requires that the levers come off the calipers. I don't remember whether that's possible without removing the calipers.
Jag emergency brack service

[bliss]

Thanks, Doug!

[bliss]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Very early cars used an XKE compensator, later cars used an ERA design. Very likely though, the emergency brake levers have internal parts that may need cleaning and a lube job. That requires that the levers come off the calipers. I don't remember whether that's possible without removing the calipers.
Jag emergency brack service

I have #91 - do you sell or know where I can secure the handle part, including the chrome around the handle of the emergency brake? It really needs to be replaced.

[strictlypersonl]

You could have an XKE handle or, less likely, an ERA-made replacement. (I don't remember how long we've been making them...).

If the handle looks like this, it's one of ours:

We can supply parts or complete assemblies. It is also a bolt-in replacement for the XKE unit. - $250.

If the top of the tube is more rounded, it's an XKE. You'd have to have it re-chromed.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

You could have an XKE handle or, less likely, an ERA-made replacement. (I don't remember how long we've been making them...).

If the handle looks like this, it's one of ours:

If the top of the tube is more rounded, it's an XKE. You'd have to have it re-chromed.

Strange Bob. He has an earlier car than mine but mine came with the Jag. Possibly his was replaced in past with an ERA?

[flaflier]

Mine is #154, and I have the jag unit too. Mine doesn't work at all, so next down time, I will be tearing the calipers apart and cleaning everything. May need a new cable though...

Jim

[bliss]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

You could have an XKE handle or, less likely, an ERA-made replacement. (I don't remember how long we've been making them...).

If the handle looks like this, it's one of ours:

We can supply parts or complete assemblies. It is also a bolt-in replacement for the XKE unit. - $250.

If the top of the tube is more rounded, it's an XKE. You'd have to have it re-chromed.

This is a picture of my emergency brake - not a pretty sight, but a little different at the top from the one you posted - does that mean it's an XKE unit?

[bliss]

Originally Posted by flaflier

Mine is #154, and I have the jag unit too. Mine doesn't work at all, so next down time, I will be tearing the calipers apart and cleaning everything. May need a new cable though...

Jim

Hmmmm.....sorry to hear that, but at least I'm not the only one facing this issue. I'm surprised that the 'workings' of an emergency brake are so complicated.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by bliss

This is a picture of my emergency brake - not a pretty sight, but a little different at the top from the one you posted - does that mean it's an XKE unit?

No mine, pictured, is an E-Type. Yours looks aftermarket, like a Lokar. ERA didn't supply that.

[bliss]

Originally Posted by ERA Chas

No mine, pictured, is an E-Type. Yours looks aftermarket, like a Lokar. ERA didn't supply that.

You are probably right. More evidence - I ended up with an uninstalled, new Lokar EHB-7000F unit when I purchased the Cobra years ago. It's not anything like the one that is installed and pictured above. Now, I'm completely lost as to what course of action to take.

[ERA Chas]

Originally Posted by bliss

You are probably right. More evidence - I ended up with an uninstalled, new Lokar EHB-7000F unit when I purchased the Cobra years ago. It's not anything like the one that is installed and pictured above. Now, I'm completely lost as to what course of action to take.

Buy Bob's complete unit for $250. And adjust your caliper levers right.

[strictlypersonl]

bliss's handle might be from a Jag sedan. Not one that we ever recommended.
If the original chassis bracket is still there, then our custom unit will fit.

[DAVESS]

My handbrake problem is that it will not hold. Pull it up to engage and it "ratchets" back to the off position. Took it apart and found the teeth on the fixed portion and on the movable pawl were dubbed off.
I would like to get replacement parts if possible rather than replace the unit entirely.
Does anyone have source for these pieces?

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by DAVESS

My handbrake problem is that it will not hold. Pull it up to engage and it "ratchets" back to the off position. Took it apart and found the teeth on the fixed portion and on the movable pawl were dubbed off.
I would like to get replacement parts if possible rather than replace the unit entirely.
Does anyone have source for these pieces?

That would be us. How are the teeth on the base. On the pawl?

[DAVESS]

Thanks for the response Bob.
The teeth on the mid-section of the base are shiny and show some wear, but the pawl teeth were very dubbed off. I put a file to the affected areas on the pawl teeth to create a new flat, but found they were all soft except for the first tooth (the file skated on this one and in fact this tooth was not worn). I believe #2067 was an '02 build.

[strictlypersonl]

A few of the pieces weren't properly heat-treated. If you PM me your address (mine is 8 years old), I'll send you a new pawl. Not too difficult to put in.

[DAVESS]

Very good and thanks.
ERA is the best.

[bliss]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

bliss's handle might be from a Jag sedan. Not one that we ever recommended.
If the original chassis bracket is still there, then our custom unit will fit.

I've verified with the seller (original owner) that the EB "was scavenged from a 1968 (I think???) E-Jaguar car being sold off as parts." He also stated that it never really worked all that well and that he "drilled a larger hole in the mount bracket and had to fit a bunch of washers to act as a spacer to get the brake handle to line-up correctly."

The original owner also stated that the original EB bracket is on the Cobra with the only alteration the larger hole noted above.

Therefore, is it safe to assume that the $250 EB entire kit that is offered by ERA will work on my Cobra? Will I also need to order the EB cable?


Emergency brake handle, chromed, ratchet fly-off, with bracket $250
Cable for above, Jag-based rear............................................ $50

If yes, is there a part number, etc. that I will need to order it? I assume that if it doesn't work I can send it back for a refund, right?

Thanks for your help.