Parking brake stuck on my 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo, any ideas?

Question

It is the kind that you push in with your foot both to engage and disengage. The last time I used it was about a week ago and it worked fine. I tried using it today and will only push in about an inch, then there is a lot of resistance. Anybody know what is wrong and how to fix it? Thanks!

Answer 1

Start the engine. Put it in drive. Then back in park. Then try again.....

Answer 2

If I had that problem I would probably get something better than a monte carlo..

Answer 3

There are three possible problem areas here.

1. The brake pedal mechanism itself.

2. The park brake cable system.

3. The rear brake caliper.

The park brake cable would need to be disengaged and then the above parts could be isolated and tested separately for free movement. The cable is a very common thing to seize up from rust or wear. The rear calipers use a integral park brake actuator and they're prone to seizing also. The actual brake pedal mechanism rarely seizes but it's possible.

All of the above would require replacement of the affected parts.

Answer 4

maybe you need new brake shoes, and brake accessories.

Answer 5

check the rear brake pads, a friend of mine had his literally fall apart and get jammed in the hub area...