Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Parking brake won't engage / disengage

The parking brake on my '98 SVT will not engage or disengage properly anymore. It is rare that it actually engages, and if it does, it then does not want to disengage. This problem affects both rear brakes.

I've taken both tires off and poked around a bit. I believe that the problem lies in the U-shaped engagement arms (that the cables attach to). The engagement arms are very difficult to rotate in either direction (engage or disengage), even by hand. The cable has a hard time pulling the arms enough to engage them, and when the brake is disengaged, the springs don't seem to be able to force the engagement arms back to the fully released position (only partially).

Is there any way to lubricate or otherwise force the engagement arms to loosen up? Would it possibly help if I got replacement springs that are stronger? If so, anyone know the part numbers?

Incidentally, does anyone know of the part numbers for the black rubber boot that covers the end of the engagement cable? Mine are in pretty bad shape and could use replacing.

Thanks!

9 out of 10 chances I say it is the parking brake cable, try disconnecting them and see how they move

a new cable set should run about $40

Sorry for not being clear in my initial post, but I have already removed the cable ends from the engagement arms. Even without the cables attached, the engagement arms are difficult to move in either direction. That's why I was inquiring about lubricating them or putting on stronger springs.

Even if the cables are bad, shouldn't they still be able to pull the engagement arm into the engaged position? I understand that rusty cables may not want to release properly, but they should still be able to pull on the engagement arm, especially with the amount of tension they have when you pull on the parking brake lever. But mine can't seem to make the engagement arms move enough.

yes you are correct. I am not sure if it can be lubricated but it sounds like you might need new calipers.

there was an updated spring but I beleive your 98 should already have those installed