My 97's parking brake has been staying stuck on every now and then for the past few weeks. When I release the brake from inside the truck the dash "brake" light goes away and the cable underneath the truck loosens up. I guess the piece that is actually making the brake hold the truck is staying stuck on. Anybody else every have this problem or at least know of a way to correct it?

 

Well uh.....yeah, don't use it till Spring.

Years ago I went to New Hampshire for Christmas. Pulled into the driveway, mashed down the Parking Brake and that was all she wrote. For two weeks.

If it hadn't got above 20 degrees, I'd still be there.

 

So, do you think the cold weather (it did get really cold here in MA) is the reason my parking brake is sticking? Is ice causing it to freeze up?

 

Well, yes but, I'm just a nuclear physicist.
There may be a social worker or fry cook here who has a different opinion.

 

uh, you know I was just kidding right?
I'm actually just a fry cook's apprentice.
When I was busing tables in NE, customers would come back in complaining their Parking Brake was froze.

I left NE and my busing job and started climbing the corporate ladder.
So, to be truthful as a fry cook apprentice, I'm just guessing about the parking brake freezing.

Ask something about french fries and I can answer with authority.
Best oil = Peanut Oil
Optimum temp = 295 degrees
Bell rings = fries are done

(Do you want an apple pie with dat?
Do you want an apple pie with dat?)

 

It may be ice, but it may not be either.

I'm guessing these drum brakes have some miles on them, don't they?

If so, look in "sound coming from rear?" a few threads below yours. You may have a more drastic case of the same thing.

Try backing up a little to see if they release.

Do you know the last part of the cable that goes into the brake itself isn't 'frozen' (ice, rust, fraying, etc)? If it's not then its inside the brake.


Check it out & let us know.


Tom

 

Well, I'm still not positive about what is happening, so I will be going to the dealer this Monday. I'll let you know what they tell me. Actually, the main reason I'm going to the dealer is that my front engine cover gasket appears to be leaking!!!! GRRR!!!