2G Parking Brake Cable is stuck on one rear wheel

[Murci]

As the title suggests, the brake cable is stuck on the rear driver side wheel. I made sure of it by pulling the center console and looking at the yoke(?), it was tilted. To me, that meant that it was sticking. I've tried lubing the cable. However, I'm not too sure if I was lubing the cable though. I just looked under the rotor and found two lines. Only one was thin enough to look like the cable and it went to the parking brake assembly. Could someone clarify for me the location of the cable (pics, if possible) as well as help me un-stick the parking brake cable? Essentially, the sticking forced the brake shoes to not retract, so my rotors are stuck as well. I can't drive the car because it's dragging on that one wheel.

Vehicle: 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

 

[Ferrarieater]

The parking brake cable is going to be the thickest one going inside. You want to jack it up and see if you can take off the rotor or at least release the parking brake through the hole in the back. It should be a rubber oval plug. Cutting your old cable might help too if its the cable thats stuck. Hope this helps..

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

You can usually pull or pry on the lever on the caliper where the brake cable attaches to get it to release. Take off the rear wheel so you can access it easier. When you pull the e-brake handle it pulls the arm on the caliper toward the front of the car, so to release it you just need to pull the cable back the other way (to the rear of the car) at the back of the brake caliper.

 

[99gst_racer]

Check the cable sheath itself for damage. It could be split open and corroding/rusting, which will cause the cable to hang up.

It could also be an issue with the parking brake assembly itself being siezed up. You'd have to pull the caliper and rotor to inspect it.

You can usually pull or pry on the lever on the caliper where the brake cable attaches to get it to release. Take off the rear wheel so you can access it easier. When you pull the e-brake handle it pulls the arm on the caliper toward the front of the car, so to release it you just need to pull the cable back the other way (to the rear of the car) at the back of the brake caliper.

2G's are completely different from 1G's. 2G's use a separate drum style brake rather than a lever on the existing caliper like the 1G cars do.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Check the cable sheath itself for damage. It could be split open and corroding/rusting, which will cause the cable to hang up.

It could also be an issue with the parking brake assembly itself being siezed up. You'd have to pull the caliper and rotor to inspect it.

2G's are completely different from 1G's. 2G's use a separate drum style brake rather than a lever on the existing caliper like the 1G cars do.

You are absolutely right Paul... I totally forgot that the 2g's were like that.

 

[Murci]

I appreciate the replies.

I am really sure it's the parking brake cable. As the cable is slacking in the center console. My problem is that, everytime I drive, it drags on the rotors and makes a hollow noise as I drive. I haven't driven it much since then. Just to test it. The only way to pull the rotor out is using the given holes on the rotors and using the right size bolt to force it out. But regardless, the shoes won't retract, possibly due to the cable being stuck. I would like to reuse this cable if possible before considering the purchase of a new cable.

Could someone give me a detailed explanation on releasing the cable? There is a rubber seal on the back. But it's not a hole. Is that what you guys are referring to? Also, I believe it's stuck because my buddy accidentally drove the car a bit without putting down the ebrake.

Again, I appreciate all responses.


I forgot to mention, I have already tried adjusting the star adjuster as well as the parking brake adjusting nut.

Please help

 

[luv2rallye]

You're going to have to remove the rear rotor to see what's hanging up the shoes. Rotate the star brake adjuster (in the oval hole in back of rotor dust shield) as far as you can with brake adjustment tool or screwdriver to loosen shoes. Then try the 8x1.25 rotor removal bolts shown here: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=130205&d=1321990232. If that doesn't work you can try this: Removing stuck brake rotors.

 

[Murci]

@luv2rallye: I think what you meant was to use the bolts to remove the rotor and then use the star adjuster. Regardless, I can remove the rotor and adjust the star adjuster. What do I do after that though?

 

[luv2rallye]

Yes - since you said "my rotors are stuck as well" I assumed you couldn't get them off. After they're off remove the brake shoes. One will have the parking brake cable attached to a long lever on it. With the cable still attached to the lever, grab the shoe (for leverage) and see if you can pull the cable to loosen it up. You can alternate between pulling on the parking brake in the car and this lever. Chances are however you'll have to remove the cable from this lever and replace it (or if you're very lucky lubricating it inside it's sheath may be enough although they're usually all rusted).

 

[Murci]

Sorry, I meant that everytime i get the rotor to rotate freely, the parking brake shoes start contracting, getting my rotors to grind on the parking brake shoes. I should've clarified.

I will go and try it out. Thank you for helping, Luv2rallye.

Hello dsmers, I fixed my parking brake cable problem. I fixed the problem by disassembling the parking brakes and then reassembling it. However, the brake shoes are still expanding, causing my rear wheel to drag a little. Could someone please help me again?

-Jordan

P.s. is that suppose to be in a new thread?