Fixing a Stuck Parking Brake or Emergency E Brake with Basic Hand Tools

How to fix a stuck parking brake, emergency brake or e brake with basic hand tools. A simple DIY that can be performed at home.
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Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
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[@gavankarns2074]

I thought my transmission went out. My dad said what about the e-brake. I definitely think my e-break is locked now thanks to your video! Thanks

[@victoryfirst2878]

Nice and easy repair. Thanks for showing us what to do fella.

[@TimTim-bb4mg]

I never comment on videos but this one saved my ass in a pinch. Thanks dude

[@nosferatu5]

Thanks alot, it helped me get a better picture on my rusty brakes. Didn't want to go on hammering things haphazardly.

[@CarsNToys]

Awesome! Glad to help.

[@slipshaft]

Man I wish people would include the car make, model and year in the video title!! The video still helped me even though I have an accord. Thanks.

[@molkolmot9613]

Thanks m8 was trying to find a good fix video the other guys just hit it with hammer

[@CarsNToys]

Happy to help. Cheers.

[@MikoKnight]

Thanks a lot for this video, I'll try this tomorrow. My rear right wheel on a BMW 316ti Compact stopped moving completely after about 2 months in the garage and I had no idea what to do. Tried to give it more power but the left wheel started spinning already and the other one didn't move at all.

[@CarsNToys]

+Miko Similar with this vehicle. It sat for a solid three/four months and the rust accumulation just got to it.

[@taharseba5379]

Excellent vidéo i appreciate it

[@nicoleham85]

What causes the car to move while the e-brake is lifted up fully.

[@richmichalski4134]

What's the smoke from? Torch

[@Nexta]

Thank you for the video! I'm working on an MR2 but the system is very similar. I'm thinking my e-brake problem is more related to old cables with torn rubber boots but I will clean up the hardware while I'm in there changing them out. Hope your car has plenty more miles and smiles to give :)

[@CarsNToys]

+fivespeeds Thank you. The MR2 is a fun little car. Cheers

[@povilaspukelis9943]

How did you put the part back at 4:30??? When you take it out it's impossible to put it back in! That's why you skipped frames?

[@CarsNToys]

I'll have to dig up the original video file from five years ago. However, if I did have a tough time reinstalling I would mention in the video.

[@povilaspukelis9943]

Thanks for the reply. The screw twists after you remove the plate so the plate don't fit for me

[@CB-qy2zl]

I appreciate the quality of your video. Everything in focus and great close ups showing the work. Thanks!

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@rishig888]

Would you suggest that since the rear calliper breaks not release fully involves in replacing both rear callipers?

[@mixtheking2]

Thanks a lot! Is happening the same to me but it releases after starting to drive. I was already searching for new rear calipers until I saw your video. It was full of rust! I'll try to find some new parts for the hand brake system when I do the rear brake pads and rotors next year! Thanks one more time!!

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it helped

[@videoinformer]

The left back wheel on my 2001 Honda CR-V was locked up because of a stuck (likely rusty) parking brake. I didn't even have a jack, so I couldn't get the wheel off. But, I had an idea that worked instantly! I mixed up a hot water solution of baking soda, laundry detergent, mineral oil, and lighter fluid, which felt extremely slimy and slippery. Then, I put it in a spray bottle and sprayed it into the left rear brake drum, saturating it as much as I could. This freed up the parking brake instantly! I think soapy water might have worked by itself, but the other things increased the slipperiness of the solution greatly and left an oily residue.

[@glenorr9814]

Do I have to replace the rotors when doing brakes

[@coolastro]

Thank You for the video I have a 2001 ford escape parked on a slight hill in the drive way my brake light is on I was able to put it in neutral with the parking brake engaged disengaged it rolled back wards so that eliminated the parking brake.

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@anthonyhowland6312]

Thank you so muck i got a Dotson 240z with a stuck e-brake and hopefully this helps!

[@CarsNToys]

Very cool. I'll have one of those in the shop next week. Really fun car. I'll make a note to shoot a vid as well.

[@popskltoes]

Have this same problem in my daughter’s old car - 2005 Sentra. It sat for a while over winter with the parking brake on. Gonna try this tomorrow - fingers crossed!! Great video - thanks! 😉

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help.

[@jovegairy5687]

L

[@surferman911]

I got new calipers but still sticking at the silver coil thing on the caliper. What should I do?

[@gerry2001]

thanks for the video. how didi you move your car to the garage if the break stucks ?

[@ProGamer-nt8vn]

im screwed i pulled the parking break and im 10 btw and it wont release when i use the button

[@KevsGuide]

GREAT VID MAN. im looking for info on 2012 buik Lacross electic one that is jammed on even though you hear it operate

[@mkyalvrz7860]

Is the e brake cable just on the driver side or both sides?

[@CarsNToys]

Both

[@mkyalvrz7860]

Yea thanks I saw that, I got it in action but my calipers aren’t releasing from the rotors still. I think my old brake calipers are seized with rust pads are till hugging the rotors.

[@thelankyjim]

What would you do if the cable was bound up?

[@starmkd18]

Amazing video The issue with my handbrake is, it's stuck even when released completely so after driving both the rotors/discs and the rims are really hot and smells like burnt rubber Does this mean the cable is rusty and needs replaced or just cleaned like in thi video? When lifting the handbrake inside the car, the handle is a bit loose until past the 1st click

[@CarsNToys]

I would start by cleaning the components and see if that resolves the issue. Often enough, a good cleaning will do the trick. (Especially in snow belt states.)

[@kevinalt549]

Anyone know if there isba tutorials on replacing the e brake cable on a 93 Silverado

[@protabali2203]

thanks allot for this video after a cold night my ebrake was stuck, following your video i was able to fix the problem....it was stuck due to rust and i suppose the very cold night did not help either

[@CarsNToys]

+Protab Ali Yea, the cold is a big menace to ebrakes!

[@jerichoripplinger7825]

Aye I was watching your video didn’t have a jack but I pulled on the ebrake and it was stiff and pulled it a bit harder till I heard a click car started to roll ebrake still works did I just get lucky?

[@CarsNToys]

Sounds like you broke the rust loose. Good luck!

[@fasted8893]

What do I do if the actual cable is stuck

[@RenIRL]

Watching this as I came back from a 3 week holiday and now my car won't budge. Hand brake is stuck. The left front disc brake Manage to pop and brake free. But the right side front disc brake is just stuck stuck.

[@paulpetry3675]

Excellent instructions.Could be i missed this,but did you explain the piston retraction tool why it is necessary?

[@London.Bridgez]

How did you move it when it was engaged?

[@kuhchang8243]

I’m sure he just drove it in the garage. Mine was engaging just like his and I drove it as well. As long as it’s not a long distance it’s totally fine.

[@GhrimShady]

I have the same problem only during cold days. except the emergency brake isnt stiff i can pull it all the way up but it feels weak and only clicks a couple times. has to be a problem with the brake lines.

[@CarsNToys]

You may just need an adjustment. Here's another video that may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJW8hZVrfsZ5iJI

[@GSimon850]

Hi Have the same with my Ford Focus Mk1 dude, I changed the drivers side rear caliper and all was fine for a bit but now its frozen off and I cannot apply the handbrake, I will check the off side. Cheers buddy.

[@brandon4306]

Hello, my dad's sister borrowed our car and she left the handbrake on when it was freezing.. now the car has difficulties going forwards/backwards, when pressing the gas pedal sometimes one wheel spins while the other one just stays stuck, did she destroy the brakes while driving (she isn't the best driver) or is the handbrake stuck? We tried driving when it wasn't freezing anymore for 1-2 days

[@Hayleyogrady]

Brandon Verheijen handbrake is stuck. I have a 2010 civic and second time it’s happening to me. I live in the cold as well, going to fix it myself this time

[@natalyaroberts1998]

I pulled my hand brake all the way up and it can’t go back any further to go down.

[@jennajade3504]

and this is in the rear of the car? is it both left and right of just one side?

[@jasonallen3842]

Thanks buddy.but how do I replace the e break handle?

[@pete6705]

Trying to figure out how to fix this while I’m stuck in the middle of the city and can’t take my car apart

[@dannyreyes3049]

My 2012 Nissan ebrake light keeps popping up and I do t have the ebrake put also when I'm driving k start smelling burnt rubber and my rim get really hot is it a Stuck brake

[@CarsNToys]

Sounds like it. Live in a cold climate? The ebrake on this Maxima was very rusty. (NE USA)

[@PortugueseFlyingStew]

Great video. Straight to the point. I dig it.

[@stefenski]

Wish I had our old Maxima

[@dimitragianes9021]

Excellent. It was Really helpful even tho I’ve got a 2010 Honda Insight

[@errorthefiledoesnotexist.1401]

you have to add brake fluid or else emergency break will stay stuck.

[@Zh00309]

but button of parking brake is not being pressed what should i do?

[@goodguy5203]

My car starts fine, I can smoothly put the Gear and I can pull up/down the handbrake easily but Surprisingly the Car can't movee even an inch, But after Some minutes later when I keep clutching, it suddenly released and making like a breaking sound down there and starts to work normally, what could be the possible problem? please Help.. I'm using Toyota Prado 120 Series

[@qsaroyal3953]

this could be an ignorant question, but cleaning the rust fixed it?

[@princejosiah7852]

Thank you very very much for everything. I haven't drove my car since last Saturday because of this problem. Today is Sunday, and I guess a week was very worth it to find this video to save me from towing plus parts and labor. Now all I have to do is watch this vid about to more times, go out side and create some spectators, and just simply fix the problem like I always knew what I was doing. If they ask then why it been sitting for so long, I'll just say I work through the week and I don't feel like it , so this weekend I'll fix it. Lol I'm serious about this. Thank you bro

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help out. Thanks for the feedback.

[@princejosiah7852]

CarsNToys your welcome. Will it still work only taking off my right rear tire? I only have the small jack that comes with the car.

[@Waddellaw]

Should went ahead and replaced those rotors too.

[@Pulpswo]

How much would this cost for someone to do it for me?

[@themechanic4222]

hi I was wondering if u can a post a video how to jack up a maxima from different positions like front.rear.sides .. I always have problem doing that please

[@sosueme3778]

Question I just noticed my emergency break is stuck , how much do you think a mechanic shop would charge . I know you can't give me a exact figure im talking ballpark figure ?? Thank you

[@lashyajohnson1666]

Hey I have a 97 maxima and my car runs fine but once I put it in reverse or drive it cuts right off any ideas what it could be ?

[@GymChess]

I have the problem too. Both back brakes were engaged caused extreme heat in the process. The rim was very hot and the whole wheel area smelled funny. I'll leave it at a shop next week. Hopefully I won't have to replace both discs, pads and in the worst case even the calipers. That means a lot of money.

[@CarsNToys]

Hope it works out.

[@doreengotti2636]

CABLE WIRE CAME OFF THE RELEASE HANDLE ON MY BLAZER, IT DOESN'T LOOK BROKEN , JUST CAN'T SEEM TO KNOW WHERE TO ATTACH IT TO..WHAT TO DO ?

[@stanislavreshetnikov755]

Thank you for your video. It helped!

[@tonypepperoni8856]

I hade the same problem so I took a angle grinder to it, works now

[@kansasfan649]

Outstanding work and well done, including the music. I need to get one of those trim tools. Thanks for posting.

[@largofella]

what If my cable doesn’t move freely?

[@largofella]

It’s stuck in the down position. I’m not Able to pull it out and stretch it so it will fit in the arm.

[@lexiemaep7930]

You could soak the parts in vingre. Cleans them for you.

[@cubehire3653]

Excellent video. May it go that well for me. I have a rusty old buick that has sat still for a more than a year. I know I should junk it as it other issues. But maybe I could fix it. If I can free the cable and get it working by cleaning it great. If the cable is broken I don't know. Its tough to let go of old cars. Its kind of like putting your dog to sleep. Maybe I can save it...

[@CarsNToys]

Soak the parts with PB Blaster before you begin. It'll be a big help.

[@cubehire3653]

@@CarsNToys Yes, I use PB Blaster thanks. I am not a mechanic but have done a lot work on that old car. KZbin is better than m Haynes manual. I wish there was a good how to video for fixing my parking brake my 2001 Century as there was for the brakes, ball joints and everything else I did on my old wreck.

[@tamishagraves4809]

You used anti seize on the e brake parts you cleaned then re assembled onto vehicle ?

[@dincdincer6265]

Is it necessary to remove the wheels?

[@jaxv94]

HELP 1:48 in my car the cable is pulling the mechanism in the caliper yet the rotor still spins freely, its a new remanufactured caliper too!!!!! :C

[@CarsNToys]

Did you check all the linkages / verify everything is installed correctly?

[@jaxv94]

The caliper was defective T_T I went to the junkyard and bough a caliper for 10 bucks, installed it and everything works again, the "re-manufactured" caliper from Autozone didn't work at all.........they wouldn't even refund it because I "installed" it......Lesson Learned, don't buy re manufactured parts from Autozone.

[@dinosaursdoingtherobot850]

Hi what would it take to replace the cable is it a nightmare ?

[@JoshHopkinsYT]

Depends car to car. I have a 96 saturn and the e brake sticks if i pull it fully. I think the problem is in the cable but not sure. I am going to see if i can make an adapter to spray white lithium grease or some other lube into there.

[@chaniachaisson]

Cables are not fun to replace they’re not hard but they’re gonna give you a hard time

[@Wahinies]

Awesome video! What are the common weak points to look at if it only misbehave in sub freezing temperature?

[@CarsNToys]

Certainly low temps and letting the vehicle sit for extended time.

[@alikavrak3628]

Left the ebrake on last night and it is now frozen and the brake is engaged. Any recommendations on how to unfreeze it? I cant take the car to the mechanic in current condition as brakes are engaged

[@CarsNToys]

You can disassemble the unit at the brake. It's more work but possible on most vehicles.

[@fixinggrace]

If the cable isn't coated, you can also try and spray this with penetrating oil. I tried this last night with my Ford and it worked to get it freed up until I can replace the cables this spring.

[@GrimYak]

i think this is also the same issue that i am facing. it is very hard to pull but does catch after a few pulls. The car is turning 7 years old but has only traveled about 30k miles as the previous owner was a seaman. so you can imagine the car sitting for months at a time. im thinking of running oil in the cables and hope that helps. btw this has rear discs as well.

[@kickinwinghotboi883]

Sounds like you got some bad wheel bearings brother

[@kickinwinghotboi883]

@Tupac Shakur hard to say without looking at it, it could possibly be your caliper piston but if it drives in reverse but not forward you might want to check your cv axle also. But since you already bought the hub assembly change it and see if it fixes the issue. If not, definitely check your caliper pistons and your cv axle. I'm not entirely sure how those cars are set up, but check the e-brake to make sure it isn't stuck also

[@danicocyrillejumawan673]

Thank you so much for this video

[@anupjthomas]

Great video!

[@CarsNToys]

+Anup J. Thomas Thank you

[@clinteastwood666]

thanks for upload helped me with a 04 accord!

[@CarsNToys]

Sweet!

[@epicmonckey]

Mines stuck on my 05 I pulled the lever too hard

[@clinteastwood666]

@@epicmonckey do this and idk i never use mine anymore because it always gets stuck and warps my rear rotors

[@epicmonckey]

Clint Eastwood yea I was kinda high last night tbh pulled brake lever too hard and now woke up with this beautiful inconvenient thing on thanksgiving

[@epicmonckey]

Clint Eastwood so what do I do one of the cables are stuck? Thanks tho bro

[@kylewhitaker8225]

thank you

[@zaino660]

Good job man!..

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you

[@saywhat1078]

Good job! Thanks for the video.

[@CarsNToys]

Thank you. Glad to help. Cheers.

[@arizmuhammads.salihsumra9567]

SayWhat you h

[@chizo5097]

nice

[@michaelmorrison2244]

chizo

[@swipersoixante9553]

thank you

[@CarsNToys]

+Swiper Soixante You're welcome.

[@redzeys6563]

thank you, mate!

[@CarsNToys]

+[RedZeys] Gaming Channel Welcome

[@imgonnagogetthepapersgetth8347]

Women tend to play with the lever, not sure why...much like what you were doing in the beginning of this video.....just sayin'!! That's why they end up breaking, due to overuse by women playing with the long lever....

[@CarsNToys]

Interesting