Hoping you can help. My emergency brake sticks. ('65 Wildcat) It works great on the way down, but when I release it, it doesn't come up all the way. Sometimes the light stays on, but I think the rear brakes might be draggin even when the light is off. (is that possible?) The rear brakes were worn down to the metal before I had them replaced. What do I need to do in order to get better action on the emergency brake cable? Thanks!
I would sayit might be the cables in the rear end may be rusted and are not letting it release when you pull the cable handle. I would assume that since the rear brakes were removed,the hardware in the drums move freely. If not, then that could be one of several problems that helped wear the brakes out. On the bottom between the shoes there is an adjuster. Make sure it rotates freely as this is how the brakes adjust, The next thing to look at is the cables. Thes usually corrode up fron road grime and lack of use. If they start to stick,the only solution is to replace them. I have tried several ways to help loosen them up,but 99% of the time its only a quick fix. If these are hanging up they wont allow the cable to return to a relaxed location. My best guess that why the cable doesn't seem to release is the front cable itself. It will stretch it the other problems exist. It may be dragging and not fully releasing the cable,hence the light in the dash. The dash light is operated by a switch that is located on the foot mechanism.Next time it happens,pull out on the handle and pull the foot piece up and see if your light goes out. The good news is that the cables can be purchased,the bad news...if its the front cable,its a bear to fix. You will have to remove the cable from the foot mechanism,then you possibly have to remove the inner fender to access the cable as it passes out of the firewall into the frame. That is the hardest and worst part. I am not sure of the type of car you are referring to but they are similar in the way they are installed on the cars. Hope this helps.
Yeah what he said... OR it could be something as simlpe as the little return spring on the foot pedal mechanism has broken, merely preventing the pedal from returning fully. If that looks OK, then your cable system should be checked out before you resort to pulling off the rims and drums. With the rear end up on stands you should be able to tell if the brakes are dragging. Start out with your car on level ground, block the front tires fore & aft, put jack stands under the rear axle. Then it would be safe for you to release the parking brakes, put the trans in neutral, and try spinning the rear wheels by hand. If you find the the wheels are very difficult to turn by hand (in either direction or both) then the chances are good that the brakes are dragging.
