I'm not sure if its the e-brake but after driving around today I smelled a heavy smoke smell. After looking around I noticed it came from the left rear wheel. The rims were smoking hot and I don't know what the problem it. I tried to play around with the e-brake but the car is still very heavy to push.

I know something is stuck with the brake, but not sure if this has happened before.

Thanks

 

Disc or drums? The e brake handle is released fully? If so then either the discs, cables, or shoes are stuck/frozen. Hopefully you didn't overheat the brakes too bad or you may be replacing everything back there and flushing out that burnt fluid.

 

I have 4 wheel disc brakes. The handle can be released fully and I feel that only that one side is stuck.

If I take apart the left rear brake assembly would I be able to see whats wrong?

 

check the 2 cables, see if that one going to the LR wheel is stuck

i replaced the LR cable on mine, and now my RR is stuck

if thats the problem, screw it replace both while youre in there

 

If I take apart the left rear brake assembly would I be able to see whats wrong?[/QUOTE]

That's the only way your going to find out whats wrong. Inspecting every
thing. Hopefully the rubber around the piston hasn't burst from the heat. Also, you can scorch the rotors pretty bad too. It can get ugly sometimes.

 

Check the boots on your e-brake cables. I had one that was torn and allowed moisture to get in and cause the cable to stick. There are two different cables for the rear disc brakes, double check to make sure you order the right one.

 

I second that. While your in there replace the other cable. Chances are if one cable is bad so is the other. Also check the cable connected directly to the handle. Make sure that's in good shape also.

 

caliper is probably seized in the out position.

 

I think you are right. I inspected the rear brakes today with the wheels off. There seems to be nothing wrong with the e-brake. However, after I press the brakes the left rear wheel would be ridiculously hard to spin by hand.

I tried removing the calipers but couldn't figure out how. I removed the two bolts securing the caliper but got stuck after that.

 

you may need to whack at the rotor with a hammer so that the pads will lose their death grip on it. Doesn't always work, but usually it will. Just remember to change the rotor after you have hit it with a hammer