E-brake problem ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco California
E-brake problem ?
Have any of you had any problems with the E Brake ?, Several times i had pulled the switch got out turned around and my car started rolling. I live in SF on a 09% Grade (Hill). Pretty Scary, I know you need to push the brake pedal after pulling switch, I'm almost positive i did, has anyone else had a problem?
MikeNSF
MikeNSF
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 49
Did you see my post in the spring where I didn't realize and went in the house. It must have rolled back into the garage door so when I opened it I cost myself 2600 worth of damage as it sawed up the diffuser, bumper, and rear wing. Won't make that mistake twice.
Last edited by jdmdohcpower; Nov 18, 2015 at 08:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco California
E Brake Experiences..
The Second time it rolled back into my garage about 3 feel, i stood there letting it warm up and I was cleaning the windows. I looked around to see if anyone noticed... nope, lucky again...I need a wheel chock....
MikeNSF with Lots of Hills..
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 661
Likes: 137
From: toronto,canada
It happened to me a month ago! car rolled into garage door,damaged the front bumper and broke the carbon splitter in 2 spots! so i'm guessing it will be 2k plus, should send the bill to GM Now i make sure i also leave in gear!!!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 190
From: Zion NC
I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS leave mine in gear for this very reason. Back many years ago, I had an ebrake cable fail, and it somehow popped out of gear. I have no idea how it happened, but I looked out my window and my buddies car was rolling down the street without me! Went over a hill into my neighbors driveway and just kinda stopped in their grass.
In retrospect it is kinda funny..
In retrospect it is kinda funny..
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 1,485
From: Savannah GA
Why in the world would you guys not put the car in gear when it is parked and turned off? Crazy crap like this can happen as some of you are finding out. Even with a manual e-brake, I ALWAYS leave my manual cars in gear when turned off. This could cause a major accident if the ebrake fails for any reason.
The Consigliere
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 6,045
From: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
Why in the world would you guys not put the car in gear when it is parked and turned off? Crazy crap like this can happen as some of you are finding out. Even with a manual e-brake, I ALWAYS leave my manual cars in gear when turned off. This could cause a major accident if the ebrake fails for any reason.
I agree. Set the brake, put it in reverse and worry no more.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 190
From: Zion NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 1,485
From: Savannah GA
Really doesnt matter if its first or reverse (or even sixth, or whatever). The trans will provide a mechanical stop from the wheels spinning. Technically, if you wanted to provide the greatest amount of resistance, you should put it in the gear with lowest ratio.. But really, any gear will work.
Last edited by ChevyChad; Nov 20, 2015 at 06:32 AM.
The Consigliere
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 6,045
From: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
I think either works. I do reverse out of habit, which was reinforced by early C6 vettes which had to be put in reverse to avoid battery drain (which was a weird quirk fixed on later C6s).
Last edited by OnPoint; Nov 19, 2015 at 10:55 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 1,247
From: NYC
2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
Happens to other makes of cars too, can't trust the Ebrake alone you should always put it in gear.
I could say another reason I like my A8...but I'm not going there
I could say another reason I like my A8...but I'm not going there
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,821
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I have been parking my standard transmission cars in reverse since 1965. My 69 and 86 Vettes had to be in reverse for the steering column lock to engage and release the ignition key.
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 107
I didn't see that post, ouch, mine 1st experience wasn't quite that bad, did you ever see an idiot climbing in the window with the car rolling down the hill? My neighbors did.....haha... I saw a car in front of me, I steered it to the right, then I saw a pickup in front of me, I kept turning to the right, missed the car and the truck. you can pull the E brake all night long but it won't engage until you step on the petal, my hand just barely hit the brake and the car stopped. I got out swore a couple of words then figured out that i was blessed. Or Very Lucky.. !!
The Second time it rolled back into my garage about 3 feel, i stood there letting it warm up and I was cleaning the windows. I looked around to see if anyone noticed... nope, lucky again...I need a wheel chock....
MikeNSF with Lots of Hills..
The Second time it rolled back into my garage about 3 feel, i stood there letting it warm up and I was cleaning the windows. I looked around to see if anyone noticed... nope, lucky again...I need a wheel chock....
MikeNSF with Lots of Hills..
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
It's not the eBrake that is the problem, but the small drum brakes that are located in each of the rear brake rotors. They just don't hold much, whether it is actuated by an eBrake or is manually operated, like in the C5 and C6.
I can pull up the manual lever on my C6 till I can't pull anymore, and the car will roll if it's not in gear. Just depends on how steep the grade is.
I can pull up the manual lever on my C6 till I can't pull anymore, and the car will roll if it's not in gear. Just depends on how steep the grade is.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 163
Likes: 29
It's not the eBrake that is the problem, but the small drum brakes that are located in each of the rear brake rotors. They just don't hold much, whether it is actuated by an eBrake or is manually operated, like in the C5 and C6.
I can pull up the manual lever on my C6 till I can't pull anymore, and the car will roll if it's not in gear. Just depends on how steep the grade is.
I can pull up the manual lever on my C6 till I can't pull anymore, and the car will roll if it's not in gear. Just depends on how steep the grade is.
I really had no idea people left their cars in neutral. The E brake is for emergencies; the trans is what keeps the wheels from moving. Same for motorcycles.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 1
From: San Francisco California
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 163
Likes: 29
Yep, only safe on level surface if you will be out of the car. That said, 9 of 10 e brakes should hold the car no problem. Have yours inspected!