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Emergency brake fluid level
For those of you that have the emergency brake from hell it might be time to check fluid level. 2006 and a few other years.

Mine was low and I have already blown one up so I was motivated to check. If you skip it and lose you are looking at $1600 and maybe a tow bill.

It takes ATF H which isn’t very common.

Took 2-3 ounces to fill to the top. Last checked 4 years ago.
Harry 2006RB

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #1
The transmission-mounted parking brake was eliminated with 2008 Ford  E450s.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #2
Our 2003’s parking brake lossened up at around 100,000 miles, I bought a rebuid kit for it but it isn’t something most home mechanics can deal with unless they have a hydraulic press and the collars needed to pull and install the bearings, plus a dial indicator to measure the needed free play clearance .
E450 parking brake rebuild | Flickr

I mentioned this link yesterday, it shows where the parking brake’s hidden oil fill pug is located and other detailsl including photos that can be printed and shown to your mechanic when he/she doesn’t believe there is an oil reservoir that needs to be checked.
The parking brake reservoir needs to be topped off with the same fluid used in the transmission.
Parking brake oil fill | Flickr

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #3
If it's low on oil, does it cause problems, even it you don't use it?
2005 Jayco 24SS

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #4
If it's low on oil, does it cause problems, even it you don't use it?

The parking brake has an intermediate shaft between the transmission and the brake drum on the rear of the brake unit. The shaft spins at driveshaft speed. If the brake unit fails, you are dead in the water until the unit is rebuilt or replaced.
Oil is cheap, repairs are expensive.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #5
If it's low on oil, does it cause problems, even it you don't use it?

Yes. It has a driveshaft running through it with bearings that require oil. No oil you will hear a big bang and need a tow truck. Not using the transmission mounted emergency brake doesn’t help you at all.

Your wallet will need a transfusion.
Harry 2006RB

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #6
Larry,
Would this service using the emergency brake hidden oil fill plug apply to the 1997 MB LD, like mine?  Yikes, what else do I not know to look for?
Kristin
1997 MB

Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #7

Would this service using the emergency brake hidden oil fill plug apply to the 1997 MB LD, like mine?

1996-2007 E450s have this type of parking brake.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Emergency brake fluid level
Reply #8
1996-2007 E450s have this type of parking brake.

Larry

Yes, and thanks to Larry's post about this in our introduction thread, our new-to-us 2003 RB is going to the mechanic to be checked for this (as well as the already-planned visit to check all other fluids/hoses/belt etc) prior to us picking it up for our "maiden" voyage back to FL next month. The current owner was more than happy to specifically ask his mechanic to check this for us. NEITHER one of us knew about this potential issue, and I'd bet if he didn't specifically ask his mechanic, then it wouldn't have been checked.
Jason

2003 Rear Bath
"Razor Crest"
Our first RV, purchased from the original owner 01/2022