Community Forums

MissAdventur · 09-15-2019, 11:03 AM

Hi All,
Oh Boy, I accidentally towed my Jeep Liberty w/Brake on for 10 feet.
Could I have caused any damage?
Will use checklist every time from now on!!
Thanks in advance for your replies.

van-gogh · 09-15-2019, 11:18 AM

Sounds like you should be fine, but having seen a few Jeeps pulled for the water at a Boat dock with brakes on. they pulled more the 70' and about 30' on land all was fine. As long as your brakes still hold. The things to check out for yourself. I would be more concerned about is if the wheels were turning and the transmission was not in tow position.

Here is how you should be able to check by one press and hold the brake with foot while, pressing the gas, but just a little to see if it holds in place. Also, do this in a safe location. If that is fine. Step two put your parking brake on and just with the foot on the gas check to see if the jeep movies. But softly and slowly press the gas for a little check. As the jeep should not roll at all and all is working as built.

Now, If all is holding you in place but your still concerned have your jeep dealer (One you can trust) to check and inspect them.

Now, if the JEEP is not an automatic just put in gear with the brake on and see if vehicle moves.

If your all good, then do a happy dance.

**NLOVNIT** · 09-15-2019, 11:23 AM

I think we've all done it at one time or another. 10 ft? Not a problem. You can always do a brake test to ease your mind if you want.

Lori-

Mr.Mark · 09-15-2019, 11:23 AM

10 ft? Thats not even the length of the Liberty! I think you will be fine!

If it was in park, maybe that would be different.

Mark

van-gogh · 09-15-2019, 11:35 AM

Here is a YOUTUBE for a JEEP on checking brakes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Fywt-IY_Q

Fiesta48 · 09-15-2019, 11:39 AM

I drove a hundred miles with the emergency brake on but not so rear tires did not turn. On my 07 Accord. Yes Honda quality! Just replaced pads <$20.

twinboat · 09-15-2019, 12:00 PM

10 feet, nothing.

If you needed to use the parking brake to stop, it would be a longer distance then that.

Skip426 · 09-15-2019, 12:10 PM

You may have a TINY flat spot on the rear tires ; but brake damage , in 10 feet no.
I went 150 feet with the trans in park .

no damage, except to my ego , at the ferry dock ... with 30 vehicles behind .

van-gogh · 09-15-2019, 12:21 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwfSnH4-SGo

LETMGROW · 09-15-2019, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissAdventur

Hi All,
Oh Boy, I accidentally towed my Jeep Liberty w/Brake on for 10 feet.
Could I have caused any damage?
Will use checklist every time from now on!!
Thanks in advance for your replies.

!0' ? You could do more damage to your brakes leaving your Jeep outside on a damp evening. Release the brake and be on your way.
Have a nice trip.
Lynn

wildtoad · 09-15-2019, 12:59 PM

I pulled my 2013 Chevy Sonic about 100 ft with the brake on. Ended up getting 4 new tires. Lucky the old ones were due for replacement.

theroc · 09-15-2019, 02:36 PM

Yup, me too. I think this may be one of those "join the club" situations. It's not as uncommon as you'd think as not only I have done it but many I've talked to reluctantly admit that they've done it too. In my case, I pulled one of our Subarus about 70 miles with the hand brake applied.

I took it to a mechanic I trusted anticipating that I've have to spend about $300 to replace the parking brake shoes but he was able to --what he referred to as-- "reverse the pads on the shoes" so that no new parts would be needed for about $70 worth of labor. I was pleased. He said that the parking brake may not hold as tight as what might be normally expected but would be more than adequate.

If the parking brake still holds to your satisfaction, I wouldn't worry about it for now. Like others, I don't believe 10-feet would have done too much damage if it did any damage at all ...either to the parking brake or the tires.

Rocky68D · 09-15-2019, 03:57 PM

You may want to consider making a checklist. I took the instructions in our Wrangler's manual for towing/driving after towing, verbatim, typed and printed it from my computer then had it laminated. I keep it in the Jeep and refer to it EVERY time we either hook up or separate. Haven't left the brake on yet.

It's especially handy if you haven't done it for a while and are forgetful like me.

Rocky

winniman · 09-15-2019, 05:39 PM

Use a chalk to block the tire instead. You should notice it is still under the tire when you are done hooking up. If you forget, it will drive over it, or it will be left in the driveway depending on which side of the tires you put it on.