E-Brake Problems

[dj_zero]

Hey, I've been having some problems with my ebrake lately.
When I go to pull up on it, there's virtually no resistance anymore. Also, when I come back after a drive, my driver's-side rear wheel stinks of burning brake.
Can someone tell me, if the ebrake cable snaps, is there some sort of fail-safe on a dsm where the caliper locks in the closed position rather than open?

 

[bfdahl]

Id have to say the living on the east coast, your E brake stuff is proably all rusted together. you may have to pop off the rear tires and whip out the rust penatrant and lossen all the caliper mechinisms and when its all loossend up re adjust your lever.

you may have to replace some parts if they are siezed beyond repair!

 

[dj_zero]

Followup:

Turns out when I had my calipers replaced by the speedypro (friggin' canadians) they forgot to put back the spring that keeps the e-brake mechanism from closing until the handle is pulled. With noting holding it apart, the mechanism was closed full time and made my brake clamp down.
I went over to the local pick-n-pull and got a spring for 2 bucks, slapped it in with some grade 8 hardware, and I was good to go.
Just thought I'd put this out there just in case it happens to anyone else.

 

[Underdog378]

I have this exact same problem in the same spot. However, it only randomly locks up and then"unlocks" if i stop and let the car sit for a little bit. I haven't taken a look at it yet, but is the spring part of the e-brake mechanism back by the brake or up by the handle? My e-brake also barely holds now, I was going to adjust it tomorrow, but I think I want to check out this spring thing first.

 

[zephyr_8]

the springs back on the caliper if you haven't checked it yet