E-Brake button stuck
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 103
From: Olney MD
E-Brake button stuck
I was helping a friend go over his just purchased 92 coupe today, and noticed the hand brake wouldnt work. That is, you could pull up on the handle and hear the cable pulling on the brakes at the rear wheels, but the Button was stuck in the "in" position (meaning you could not push it any further in). Naturally that means the ratcheting action is disengaged.
I tried prying it out, but no luck. I sprayed the brake mechanism with Kroil, but no luck (so far).
Note- on my 93 C4 the e-brake works fine, so I know how to set it and release it. On my friend's car, it's like a phantom is holding the button down to keep it from grabbing.
The good news- he can leave it in gear and that will work for now. But just like any Corvette lover, he'd like it to work properly.
Does he need to pull the whole mechanism out of the car?? Is there a return spring that is known to break? Did a previous owner jam the button so he could make the rear end drift around by yanking the handle??
Thanks!
I tried prying it out, but no luck. I sprayed the brake mechanism with Kroil, but no luck (so far).
Note- on my 93 C4 the e-brake works fine, so I know how to set it and release it. On my friend's car, it's like a phantom is holding the button down to keep it from grabbing.
The good news- he can leave it in gear and that will work for now. But just like any Corvette lover, he'd like it to work properly.
Does he need to pull the whole mechanism out of the car?? Is there a return spring that is known to break? Did a previous owner jam the button so he could make the rear end drift around by yanking the handle??
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,383
Likes: 4
The problem is a bit of rust and will be easy fix once the brake lever is off the car and on the bench. In the meantime, a gentle wrap with a big rubber mallet directly on the button should free it without breaking the plastic. Use control and maybe start small taps and it will free up.
EDIT: BTW seat removal is a snap just four bolts and then two screws hold on the brake cover and two bolts hold on the break lever and ratchet.
EDIT: BTW seat removal is a snap just four bolts and then two screws hold on the brake cover and two bolts hold on the break lever and ratchet.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 557
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
I had just the opposite happen on a road trip, The button "sprang out" and I couldn't disengage the brake until I got the button back in and working again BUT the "springing out" I experienced suggests the answer. There is a little spring under the button and it must be rusted in position causing your friend's problem.
Good luck. John
Good luck. John
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 103
From: Olney MD
Stuck Button on E-Brake
The problem is a bit of rust and will be easy fix once the brake lever is off the car and on the bench. In the meantime, a gentle wrap with a big rubber mallet directly on the button should free it without breaking the plastic. Use control and maybe start small taps and it will free up.
EDIT: BTW seat removal is a snap just four bolts and then two screws hold on the brake cover and two bolts hold on the break lever and ratchet.
EDIT: BTW seat removal is a snap just four bolts and then two screws hold on the brake cover and two bolts hold on the break lever and ratchet.
Maybe a little 'Syl-Glide' will help. I use that stuff on my rubber weatherstrip and anywhere I dont want to use a petroleum type lube.
Thanks, much to 94Z07 and Austin John for your replies. We need to work together to keep these great cars on the road!!
