What kicks the parking brake off when the release is pulled? I set the brake, pull the release and nothing happens. The release is working properly (it pulls like it should, but the cable is stuck). The hydraulic part of the brakes work fine. I had the car inspected last year, the inspector had to release it manually from under the dash. Not sure what he did. It's almost like the cables are gummed up or something. Are there springs on the cables? Or do the springs in the drums release the parking brake? I have a shop manual but I can't find any info on what "springs" the shoes from the drums. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

The springs in the drums pull it back - yes, your cables are rusted-up!
Squirt them all with PB Blaster or some form or penetrating oil and you should be able to make them work.
Squirt both ends of the cable where it meets the sheath, and work them a little bit at a time.
Unless the springs in the drums are shot, but you'll still have to get the cables loose to get the drums off!

 

There is also a release mechanism for the ratcheting pedal, it may be sticking.

 

There is a spring in the pedal mechanism, there is a spring in-line in the forward cable, and the brake shoe return springs all provide the force to release the e-brake. Don't waste your time with penetrating oil, as it takes forever to get down the cable, at which point the cables are STILL rusted. Just buy new cables.

 

Thank you for your replies. I'll look to see if the cables are stuck. That'll be a next weekend project. I can disconnect them to see which one(s) ain't a workin'.

Thanks again for giving me a direction to look!

It is appreciated.

 

If your mechanic fiddled under the dash it's not your cables. I would believe it's the ratcheting mechanism that's not working properly.

 

But which could easily be brought back to proper operation with some penetrating oil followed by some spray-grease.

- Eric