Sticking Parking Brake" Lack of maintenance I didn't know about"

[Schnauzer]

Last night Spydette said she thought the Spyder was loosing power or something:yikes:. Hard taking off and would slow down really quick. I went out and checked the parking brake. When it was released it would only travel about 1/8th a revolution. I reached in and turned it by hand and it completed the cycle. I took it in this morning to our shop. Raised the rear tire and removed the parking brake drum. It was full of road grime. I cleaned and greased all the parts. Works like a charm now. So if you ride in all kinds of weather on all kinds of roads, it would be in your best interest to check the drum at your next service. It only takes 15 minutes, noneed to loosen the adjustment nut, you can rotate the drum by hand to remove and install the cable.

 

[NancysToy]

I might also add that it pays to inspect the cable at both ends, and lubricate it where it enters the sheath at the ends. That, combined with cleaning the drum and mechanism, will eliminate most of the problems with failure to return or the cable slipping off the drum. If you have a 2010 or 2011, be sure to get the warranty upgrade to the stronger rear drum spring, too. Inspect the mechanisms and adjustment at each service, and adjust the parking brake as needed (not too often with the electric parking brake).

 

[Schnauzer]

I should've thought something was up when the cable jumped off about 2 mo. ago. I blamed it on the misalignment of the adjustment bracket and the drum. "They are in a fixed location so no simple fix. I did not know about the warranty upgrade on the 2011RT. Basic warranty on ours, wonder after 25K we still qualify? Not going to go outta my way to go by this dealer, but if in the area, I'll take a chance, "They're so outta touch, I might get lucky.

 

[major911]

I might also add that it pays to inspect the cable at both ends, and lubricate it where it enters the sheath at the ends. That, combined with cleaning the drum and mechanism, will eliminate most of the problems with failure to return or the cable slipping off the drum. If you have a 2010 or 2011, be sure to get the warranty upgrade to the stronger rear drum spring, too. Inspect the mechanisms and adjustment at each service, and adjust the parking brake as needed (not too often with the electric parking brake).

Is that update for the 2010 and 2011 RT or RS?

 

[NancysToy]

Is that update for the 2010 and 2011 RT or RS?

RT

 

[NorthStar]

I should've thought something was up when the cable jumped off about 2 mo. ago. I blamed it on the misalignment of the adjustment bracket and the drum. "They are in a fixed location so no simple fix. I did not know about the warranty upgrade on the 2011RT. Basic warranty on ours, wonder after 25K we still qualify? Not going to go outta my way to go by this dealer, but if in the area, I'll take a chance, "They're so outta touch, I might get lucky.

I too have an early model 2010 RT and have been having issues with the parking brake cable sticking. Last weekend, while visiting my dealer, the shop manager handed me a new parking brake spring to improve the retraction of the cable. Although my Spyder is out of warranty this was a bulletin item so I guess it qualified for a freebie part.

Unfortunately, my brake cable is not the best for wear as a result of it jumping the rails too many times and I will need to replace it this winter. Not a biggie, but it is a wake up call to make sure that cables such as these require periodic preventative maintenance. Moving parts require lubrication!