Ok I left my E brake on over night and this morning it was hung up. I would start to drive and it was all sluggish. I got out of the car and the rear right caliper was a smoking fury. I played with teh E brake and would yank on it real hard to see if it would release and it wouldn't. After I let the car sit a few minutes it drove fine and now it seems to be ok. What do you guys think could be the problem? I don't think its the Ebrake itself because the other side released.

 

Frozen cable...

 

yah. where do you live?


give the Ebrake a few pulls (i.e. around 5 -> 9 clicks) up clicky release up clicky again...

this will "reset" your ebrake and the lever so that both sides are even....

 

Mine started feeling funny in the mid 30's. The dealer brought it to my attn. and wanted hundreds to replace the cable!!! Heaven forbid it fails before a state inspection. Any points where the cable can be lubed? Replacement is not an option, at least not at the dealership! DIY I don't know if the reward is worth the time.

 

Check the boot at the end of your e-brake cable. You'll want to remove your rear wheel first to see it clearly. If it's ripped, you got crap inside which is seizing up your cable. It happened to me once. My wallet got much lighter after I replaced the cable.

 

I didn't think it was the cable since the other side would release. But after this freezing rain thing stops I'll take my wheel off and look it over more closely.

 

For the handbrake to work, does your handle point way up before the brakes engage?

 

Should hold the car in place with 10-11 clicks.

 

I think you just answered your own question. Freezing rain will jamb up the emergency brakes.