I started driving the other day and immediately began fishtailing on the icy roads, just as if the e-brake was on, so I turned around and went home. I pull in the driveway and slowly drive with my door open and watching the left rear wheel. As I barely creep to a roll, the tire rolls, but over 5mph or so, it locks up and just slides. I believe it is doing this for both rear wheels. The e-brake lever has very little resistance up or down. I flicked some snow on the rotor after getting home and it steamed up right away. I'm hoping the calipers are literally frozen up, rather than some other mechanical issue. But even on a relatively clear road, the wheels didn't bite and continued to just slide.

The day before, we got a lot of very wet snow/icy rain and then the next day it was well below freezing.

I do park with the e-brake on all the time.

I'm not sure what other info to include, but please help me trouble shoot if you have any ideas.

It's damn cold out here in Fargo, ND and no garage so I'd like to keep the guess work to a minimum! TIA.

 

well.... you of all people should know to search, and because there are only so many ways to fix brakes; im going to say its going to be either the cable needing to be replaced or your calipers.

 

Hah, yea. I haven't been on here in almost two years and a quick search came up with a brake line problem but the way the brake lever feels, I immediately think that was it.

 

I vote rusted guide bolts in the calipers.
Im two for two for the guide bolts
having little to no grease in them and locking up.

 

If they salt the roads there in Fargo, take a look at your cables. the salt and ice tend to work its way into the cable housings and seize up over night.

 

your answers are here

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...e-e-brake.html

 

IF the cable tore somehwere and ice got in side and froze or the cable rusted, that would lock the brakes up.

 

when you pull the lever to engage them.... it will never release thus keeping them locked

and the cable does "sit" on a part of the suspension that will wear it through after a long time (it happen to me)