Stiff emergency brake

[recurve]

Hello,

Our '97 Blazer is having trouble with its emergency brake. It is slowly becoming stiffer and stiffer to engage. Also, when we release the emergency brake, the pedal comes up from the floor but the warning light on the dashboard says it is still engaged. We have to push the emergency brake pedal firmly all the way down to the floor and then release the brake for the dashboard light to go off.

For the time being, I've stopped engaging the brake. Any ideas about how to correct this is appreciated :-)

Thanks,
-- recurve

[Fractured1]

The emergency blake cables can become contaminated with rust and corosion over the years, usually back on the frame rails towards the back drums... you can try some wd/40 on them where the cable enters the sheath, and working the emergency brake a few times...good luck and because of working underneath with rust and spray lube wear eye protection!!!

[molehole]

Also make sure your rear brakes are adjusted properly. Could be they are binding up or something. It probally is the cable though. Try to grease it up and if that doesn't work you can replace for pretty cheap. Good Luck

[BlazerLT]

I don't use the emergency brake.

And this is the reason why.

Also, your emergency brake is probably permanently engaged.

Better get it checked fast.

[recurve]

Thanks for all the information guys! I'll try to clean up the cable.