E Brake Release Handle Bent

[BillB007]

1998 Itasca 33 ft F53 460 - new to me Feb 2006

When I bought the MH, I could see that the E brake release handle had been bent and straigtened. The release handle had been removed from the plastic "retainer" that is at the bottom of the dash board. The release handle is inline with the E brake and is easily stepped on when applying the E brake. Although I knew about it, I have done it once myself and the last time it was done by the service center. This time I am afraid I will break it if I fully straighten it. I know I cannot straighten it enough to return it to route through the retainer.

Question, is this a common occurrence and what can be done to repair/replace the release handle. Is there a online Ford Truck parts outlet where I can order a replacement.

Another minor nit, the headlight switch/dimmer knob is loose, coming off in my hand when I turn on the headlights. Tried using scotch tape to build up the shaft, but still will not grip. Any suggestions other than super glue.

TIA

Bill

[BillB007]

1998 Itasca 33 ft F53 460 - new to me Feb 2006

When I bought the MH, I could see that the E brake release handle had been bent and straigtened. The release handle had been removed from the plastic "retainer" that is at the bottom of the dash board. The release handle is inline with the E brake and is easily stepped on when applying the E brake. Although I knew about it, I have done it once myself and the last time it was done by the service center. This time I am afraid I will break it if I fully straighten it. I know I cannot straighten it enough to return it to route through the retainer.

Question, is this a common occurrence and what can be done to repair/replace the release handle. Is there a online Ford Truck parts outlet where I can order a replacement.

Another minor nit, the headlight switch/dimmer knob is loose, coming off in my hand when I turn on the headlights. Tried using scotch tape to build up the shaft, but still will not grip. Any suggestions other than super glue.

TIA

Bill

[Izzyblueye]

If it were mine I might try (non-hardening) contact cement on the shaft only. In the future if you need to remove it, a little heat from a hair dryer will allow it to release. My 2 cents.

[Retird2Golf]

Hey BillB, Yes my Ebrake release is where i can step on (AND HAVE)the release. One of my projectsis to lengthen it and attach to bottom of dashboard. Sooo 1. I can't step on it. and
2. It can be easily reached.

Best Regards, Clyde

[BigRedLancer]

I have stepped on mine a half dozen times. I guess I need to do a retrofit to keep the handle from breaking off. Let us know your fix..

[NeilV]

Same problem with my 2001 F53. Just a bad design that only affects people who actually use the e-brake. It will affect mostly those who need to use their slides or levelers so there shouldn't be too many of us out there. ;>

[Rapid Ray]

Me too. I have a 2005 Voyage, Winnie, with the V10 Ford. Got it back from the dealer one day and drove it home just fine. When I was ready to set the levelers it wouldn't allow me because the E-brake was not on properly. Took me a while to find the problem, never expecting the release rod to be bent and out of position. I was able to rebend and force the rod into proper bracket and through dash facia. Not sure how it was bent to begin with.

[Retird2Golf]

My brake release is under and very close to the peddle. I'm looking for a guide of some kind that doesn't look "odd.
I'll take pics and list parts when I complete.