Topic: Emergency brake - safety state inspection

[70CB750]

My jeep failed Virginia safety inspection yesterday, the main thing was he did not like the steering bar so I will replace it, not a big deal.

But he also failed the parking/emergency brake which was odd.  I asked what was wrong and this time his manager got in the jeep, engaged the emergency brake and tried to go forward in 1st.  The engine stalled so he called the mechanic over and mechanic starts the engine, puts it in reverse and sure enough he was able to back the jeep up with the emergency brake on. 

Now I took our vehicles to many shops over the years and seen quite few mechanics test them, but never have I seen somebody trying to overrun parking brake like this. 

Meanwhile I adjusted the crap out of the brake and it stalls the engine going forward or backwards, but is it a test for idiots if they try to take of with the brake on?  It seems quite brutal to the clutch and whole drivetrain, IMO.

Anybody wants to pitch in? 

[JeffSTL]

Doesn't sound right to me. I would find a new shop for future service. I don't think it is necessarily harming the drivetrain, but I wouldn't attempt the reverse test again because it could blow out your brake drums.

I had a 97 Wrangler and while off-roading a friend got stuck. Left my jeep running in neutral with E-brake engaged and in 4 low while we assessed the situation. A friend jumped in my Jeep to move it. He threw it in reverse and did not disengage the E-brake and both rear drums popped. Brake fluid poured on the ground. This was in 97 and it took the dealership two weeks to get the parts in to repair it because it was a brand new model. Luckily Jeep has (or had) a no questions asked warranty and fixed it for free without even questioning why it was covered in mud. Hell, they even washed it!

[70CB750]

Good story 

Anyway, did some digging:

B. Inspect for and reject if:
6. Parking brake will not hold the vehicle stationary with the engine running at slightly accelerated speed with shift lever in drive position for automatic transmission or shift lever in low gear with clutch engaged for standard shift transmission.

I guess it is just like Yeti, if I have not seen him, it does not mean it doesn't exist. 

[Xnavylfr]

I have learned from MANY state inspections!!  If you take your vehicle to a BRAKE shop that does INSP. , they will find problems with your BRAKES,,, THEY WANT YOUR MONEY!!!   Same goes for an EXHAUST shop,, They try to fail you for bad exhaust system..
If VA is like NC on inspections, they will have a computer record of the failure and usually (in NC) they will only have to recheck the E BRAKE for proper OP.


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[70CB750]

I still owe them a payment  - Amex is not accepted everywhere - and they will reinspect for $1 in Virginia.

[333]

My concern would be that if it's tight enough to lock the wheel in reverse, does it rub(and wear the pads) when not engaged?

And Chuck- Virginia is just going computer for safety inspections, but all stations are independent gas stations, for the most part.  No state run facilities.  So while stations send data to the state,(I can only assume) other stations shouldn't be able to get that data.  A fail sticker on the windshield states what it was failed for, and a reinspection only costs $1.00 if you go back to the original inspector.  You're probably right about brake/muffler shops, but in all my years here, It's not happened to me.

[dave500]

i dont think any parking brake will hold a heavily throttled powerfull engine?the parking brake on our hyundai will hold but how about a late v8?we have a near new mitsubishi light truck at work,it has four wheel disc brakes and air bags but comes with a feeble transmission parking brake?if you activate the rear stabilizer legs itll roll,as it is on flat level ground with the brake firmly applied you can rock it back and forth an alarming amount as it takes up all the slack in the driveline side gears/axle splines/differential crown and pinion,its a disgrace!

[71NOVADUDE]

A few years ago I needed an inspection in a hurry and stopped at a Valvolene service center. It failed because e brake wouldn`t hold. According to the mechanic, the e- brake must keep vehicle from moving forward at idle.

[DH]

Good story 

Anyway, did some digging:

B. Inspect for and reject if:
6. Parking brake will not hold the vehicle stationary with the engine running at slightly accelerated speed with shift lever in drive position for automatic transmission or shift lever in low gear with clutch engaged for standard shift transmission.

I guess it is just like Yeti, if I have not seen him, it does not mean it doesn't exist. 

The law says IN DRIVE, not reverse. The inspector is wrong. This is the kind of
thing inspectors need to learn when they read the rules (which your inspector
probably didn't). I've seen this kind of stuff and have discussed it with the
highway patrol in my state, (I am licensed). The rules are very specific.

[Xnavylfr]

I see your point!!!  The inspectors should know the law to be authorized to inspect, just as Police/ State Police should know laws pertaining to other states.
When I first moved to NC my truck was still registered in Texas. and I was stopped at a DUI check. I almost went away in cuffs because my license plates didn't have expiration stickers on them, BECAUSE, Texas places a separate sticker on your windshield showing expiration dates (( too many stickers were stolen from the plates))
Get a copy of the inspection criteria before you go!! If they inspect for something NOT on the list ,then call them out on it.
What is DUMB here in NC , MC laws do NOT require eye protection to be worn.


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)