emergency brakes

[retromolar]

Has anyone ever experienced this problem?
We had heavy rains and after two days the emergency brakes rusted solid
Dealership told me this is a wear problem and I had to pay for service
Also told me if it happened again, I would pay again

comments would be welcome

[eqwalker]

Hum, I have never had that issue and I use my handbrake every day when I park at work. It has rained an awful lot here in central Arkansas this year and I do notice that my brakes will squeal and even grab a little when I first apply the brakes a few times after the car has sit after being driven in the rain. But it clears up after a few brake applies. But never had my emergency brake rust solid. I have 34k miles on mine so far with no problem of that yet. How many miles is on yours?

[jimvw57]

Pretty common thing to happen after a few years, especially in wet or snowy climates where they use salt to clear the roads.

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by jimvw57

Pretty common thing to happen after a few years, especially in wet or snowy climates where they use salt to clear the roads.

Yes, one of the first things a "first car" kid learns here in Michigan, is never put on the E-brake or you will walk home. A2Jack.

[SubSlr88]

Originally Posted by a2jack

Yes, one of the first things a "first car" kid learns here in Michigan, is never put on the E-brake or you will walk home. A2Jack.

Well, yeah, but that's because the whole damned thing will freeze up solid~! I went to Minneapolis once for training in the winter. Parked my rental car, and being a Florida guy, set the E-brake as usual... had to call service the next morning so they could crawl underneath and thaw the E-brake linkage and cable so I could drive off - not my best moment!

[John_H]

But since the parking pawl is "not a substitute for a brake" isn't not using the eBrake a problem? Pure manuals don't have a parking prawl. Is the eBrake in the Smart (or an automatic) different from a manual car's parking brake?

[jimvw57]

Nope, it works the same. You are right, not using the parking brake (correct name for it) is the biggest cause of corroded cables. It is always a good idea to check the cables for cracks in the outer coverings and lube them when changing oil and especially when replacing brake pads and shoes.

[mdfortwoguy]

Not using it is asking for trouble... keep the cables and connections clean and lubed, and you'll be fine. If you are sticking - it's definitely not a wear issue.

[mvaldes]

FWIW, we've had record amounts of rain this summer which followed a snowy winter. My Smart has been out in all of it daily. No problems with my parking brake, used every time I've parked for the last 15,000 miles (and 15 months.)

[Neonspinnazz]

Note to self: Don't forget to use the parking brake!!!

How does one oil the parking brake's lines?