Parking brake on new car stuck

mattpatt · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 03:48 PM

I applied the parking brake (SP3033) just after a 10 mile drive (hot). When I went to release it a minute later it would not release (with engine ON or OFF and with/without brake pedal depressed). Tried again a couple hours later after cool-down. No luck. The parking brake is now built into the rear Wilwood calipers (not on the drive-shaft).

Any ideas from anyone?

thx

Matt

mickmate · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 05:59 PM

Pull it up hard with the right at the same time reach over and bump the button in with the heel of the left hand.

jhv48 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 06:13 PM

If no luck with pulling hard on the handle, you might have to loosen the adjustment nut on the end of the rod. Crawl under the car and loosen the four bolts that hold the passenger seat in place. Lift out the seat and then pull back the carpet from the brake handle. You'll see a small nut on the end of the brake rod. Loosen it and the brake will release.

mattpatt · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 06:32 PM

Thanks, Mickmate

The "right arm/left hand heel" trick worked. I guess I pulled the handle up so hard just my thumb wasn't strong enought to release it.

Jim - thanks for the additional suggestion (in case I need it in the future!).

Matt

WardL · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 07:54 PM

I've had this problem to in 2608 and since it didn't hold the Cobra anyway, I never use the parking brake. Now that the Arm/Heel SOP is known maybe it is time to adjust the sucker so it holds the Cobra! Thanks!

mickmate · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 04:05 AM

Glad that worked out. I wouldn't use the heel as SOP but if you pull it up just a bit more than the set position and then press the button it should release.

mattpatt · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 07:39 AM

FYI

Per Barry at Hillbank the new parking brake design requires setting it by pushing the brake pedal down to the floor and then raising the parking brake lever 3-5 clicks only. Haven't tested that on a hill but I suspect I pulled the lever up too hard.

Also, advice from Barry, when stuck you can try releasing the ratchet at the lever bottm with a flat screwdriver.

PANAVIA · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 01:18 PM

Barrys instruction is correct, and there is some adjustment needed prior to first true use.

mattpatt · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 08:21 PM

Steve,

Any details on the initial adjustment procedure?

thx

Matt