fix one thing, find another that is broken

"OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
11/17/2014 at 11:29 • Filed to: None

So over the weekend I did some fixin'. The exhaust on my wive's Escape was hanging low. Turns out the hanger just behind the flex pipe rusted thru.

I used a coat hanger to suspend it from a heat shield. There weren't too many other good options and I didn't want all that weight on the flex pipe and its connection.

Now for my current problem: When I put it up on the ramps I went to set the E-brake to help keep it from rolling back down (I also blocked the rear tires) But when I went to put the brake it wouldn't go. I got about 1/2" of movement before it stopped. To make this even worse I just noticed her sticker expired in October. I think I'm going to have her go and get it inspected so she can get the Rejection sticker and then I have a month to fix it. I havn't investigated the source of the problem yet. My plan is to start at the handle and work my way back to see if there is any corrosion on the line and end at the brake itself. I'm guessing if its in the disc i'm going to have a hell of a time getting the disc off to access the e-brake parts. Any ideas? 2006 Escape AWD V6

DISCUSSION (14)

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/17/2014 at 11:40

Does your wife use the handbrake at all on the Escape? The cables could be seized up.

505Turbeaux > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/17/2014 at 11:42

rejection sticker that gets you a month? Damn up here they cut your current sticker diagonally so every cop pulls you over and tickets you. Better off scraping the whole damn thing off

OPPOsaurus WRX > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
11/17/2014 at 11:42

she probably has never used it. I have a couple times in the past.

OPPOsaurus WRX > 505Turbeaux
11/17/2014 at 11:43

yea you get some time to fix it which I think is a pretty good system as opposed to just fucking over the driver.

505Turbeaux > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/17/2014 at 11:45

yeah most garages get around it by inspecting your car before filling out any paperwork, but some are dicks and want your money. I am going to have to cut your sticker unless you just have me fix it now!

shop-teacher > 505Turbeaux
11/17/2014 at 11:49

There aren't many good things about living in Illinois, but having no inspections is nice.

505Turbeaux > shop-teacher
11/17/2014 at 11:53

kind of, I sort of agree with having inspections once every few years for the safety factor, especially in rust prone/snowy areas, but when it becomes a tool for the shops around to fuck you over for semi legitimate reasons, then it is broken. In CT you needed to inspect your car when you bought it before you even got plates, and it was inspected by state technicians. They were very thorough, had a skid pad and everything. But as long as your brakes worked even and good, there wasn't anything a $20 bill or a 12 pack wouldnt fix. Which was also screwed up. Uh sir your dash indicator for your high beams doesn't function...

shop-teacher > 505Turbeaux
11/17/2014 at 11:57

We've got enough opportunity for graft in Illinois, if we had inspections, that's all it would become. The catch is, there are a LOT of rusted out crap boxes on the road. The cafeteria manager at the school I work at, is driving an old Escort with absolutely no rocker panel left.

Takuro Spirit > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/17/2014 at 12:11

Kinja'd!!!

Heh, looks like my Camry.

505Turbeaux > shop-teacher
11/17/2014 at 12:12

yeah that is the trouble there...

OPPOsaurus WRX > 505Turbeaux
11/17/2014 at 12:58

yea i checked with a co-worker. He says we get 30 days to fix it. Massachusetts alternates each year between safety and emissions. Hopefully this yr is an emissions check.

505Turbeaux > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/17/2014 at 12:59

huh interesting...

Brickman > OPPOsaurus WRX
11/21/2014 at 12:17

Inspectors care about a broken exhaust hanger and parking brake? Where I live im lucky if they check my headlights work.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Brickman
11/21/2014 at 12:22

Yea the exhaust hanger was fixed more so it didn;t fall off the car. They do check the parking brake tho.