Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting sticky E- Brake

Has anyone had their E-Brake siezed? I have a 95 GL MTX. After doing some shopping @ Circiut City, I got in my car, started it, put it in reverse, and released the E-brake when all of a sudden, my C-tour wouldn't back up as if something was in it's way. Fortunately there was no car in front of me , so I was able to drive home. Upon inspection I could definately smell the grind up brake residue stench. Can this be a D.I.Y job or should take it to the shop?

Usually caused by corrosion on inner e-brake cable preventing cable retracting inside outer jacket. Very common on rear disc brakes due to routing of cable which tends to trap water in low part of cable loop. Replacement OEM cables have improved seals at end plus additional spring at lever to aid in retraction. This was a "recall" item as I recall, as I had it done on my '97 during warranty. Most common symptom is groaning noise when backing up in the morning after releasing e-brake.

Cable replacement akward in driveway a lot easier on hoist.

NOTE: Ford uses another word for this type of problem where they fix, but only if you raise the issue.