left e brake on driving down the interstate

I couldn't find where anyone else had done this (I'm an idiot sometimes) so I thought I'd post it up. I left my e brake on for about 5 miles of freeway. My brakes still work and the e brake works a little, but what damage did I do? Should I replace the shoes, or did I probably just stretch the cable? I don't know much about drum brakes, do they squeal at you when they are worn out? Is there a link for how to adjust the e brake cable? Thanks.

 

agreed, I dont think you did any irreversible damage. The drum brakes may have holes to check for pad wear. I dont think drum brakes incorporate separate "ebrake" pads, so the drum's pads are the same as the ebrakes iirc. W/ that said, 5 miles worth of minimal brake application due to the ebrake being applied probably wont justify new rear brakes.
As for a diy on cable adjustment, I havent seen one.

 

Yea i would definitely inspect the brakes but I wouldn't think you did any damage. I did that same thing to a 92 yota I owned and nothing was damaged.

 

x2...5 miles isn't too bad, you're probably ok. Just inspect the brakes next opportunity and replace/service parts if necessary.

 

probably nothing too serious...if the drums looked glazed just swap the pads and you should be fine...if your really worried you could always upgrade to rear discs...

when we were in Cabo San Lucas a few years ago getting ready to do an ATV tour...there was an old school Toyota Hard Body Pickup (looked like a 93-94 4x2)...his e-brake must have been stuck for days...cause when he pulled up to the red light everyone turned around from hearing the rear brakes locked up and squealing like a pig...next thing you know everyone in the bed/cabin of the Yota jumped out and the rear end went up in flames...it could have been the regular drum brakes and/or the e-brake locked up but either way that was 1st time i've seen a vehicle on fire in person...

 

I did it on an old Corolla I had. Most likely it wore the shoes down until they no longer touched the drum firmly (surprising very little amount of binder to do that) that's why you think you stretched the cable. You'll have to replace shoes sooner, that's most likely all that'll come of it.

As well as the parking brake being looser, I bet you're brakes feel a little looser than before with more pedal travel before they feel tight. Adjust the rear brakes and that should make both right.

You can do that by backing up some distant applying/releasing/applying the brakes a lot to make the auto-adjusters adjust them up. OR, just get under there and adjust 'em manually.

 

Hey Chris, just curious why did you ride the e-brake on purpose?

 

In my truck when I pull away and forget to release the emergency brake it will roll forward/backwards a little then lock up somewhat ..............does your truck not do that?...........or do I just push down too damn hard on the e-brake?

 

I wouldnt say too hard. I mean, the ebrake is supposed to STOP the vehicle

 

That's a front wheel drive right? I'd imagine they'd lock up the rear wheels...did you keep them just tight enough the rear wheels wouldn't lock up, at first. Or they were really weak rear brakes? hmmm

 

Awesome info, I do feel alot of slack in the e brake lever and the brake pedal too, I'll try that backing up thing and see if it helps. Thanks!