Seized parking brake

[INF3RN0666]

Hey

Just a quick question. My e-brake was pressed for the first time in years LOL and it seized (obviously). Now the breaks drag. What do I do to release it so that I can take it to get it fixed without having to hear screeching the entire way there?

[MagicRat]

Uh, okay, you have a 1995 Chrysler Eagle what?? Vision??

The remedy depends on if you have drum or disc rear brakes. If you can tell us, we can give you more specific directions.

Any remedy involves some basic knowledge of the braking system, as you have to either pry the brake cables back or cut them where they go to the rear brakes. I do not recommend either if you do not know what you are doing, as you may damage something important related to your brakes.

[INF3RN0666]

Sorry for the vague post man.

I have a 2000 Impala 3.8L. Apparantly some come with drums for the rear, but mine was an x-popo, so it's disc brakes all over. I'm thinking of trying to pull the break line loose from the back so that it will release the pressure on the breaks. I don't want to cut it, just in case I do ever need to use it. If it jams then, atleast I'll still be alive to talk about it.

[vgames33]

I don't think that will do anything other than let the fluid out. As soon as you fill it up, the brakes will still be more-or-less engaged. At least thats how it is on my '83 Olds... Perhaps something has changed in the last 20 years? You need to find a way to release the cable from its sheathing if you ever want to use your parking brake again.

[MagicRat]

Just replace the parking brake cables.
Up here in Salt City, cables will rust up solid within a year unless you use them every time you park, especially in the winter.
The cables usually are not too much money and, personally, I would not drive a car without them................ you never know when a porcupine is going to chew through your brake lines, leaving you little to stop the car with.