Footbrake doesn't release

[RumblingGrunt]

In cold weather the parking brake doesn't always release when I pull the handle. Icy mornings are worst.
Sometimes it takes a few tugs on the handle, and occasionally I have to hook my foot under the parking brake pedal and pull it up.
Any ideas on what's wrong, and the cure?

 

[AndySlade]

Get the parking brake serviced. Normally a lubrication job for the rear quadrant located under panel below rear seats. May also be the linkage at the brake drum/hub. Probably exacerbated by cold weather. My bonnet release is also playing up in cold weather.

 

[Wighty]

You can spray some lube on the footpedal mechanism itself in the footwell (if you are bendy) , thats the easiest start point . Get a mirror and torch in there to look upwards .
If that doesn’t work the next steps are listed above .

 

[Blobcat]

The brakes can also rust on overnight, is there a reason you’re using the handbrake?

That might seem like a strange question but if you‘ve an auto and parked on relatively level ground putting it in park will hold it and no issues with the parking brake not releasing

 

[ajlsl600]

As above.

 

[onefortheroad]

In cold weather the parking brake doesn't always release when I pull the handle. Icy mornings are worst.
Sometimes it takes a few tugs on the handle, and occasionally I have to hook my foot under the parking brake pedal and pull it up.
Any ideas on what's wrong, and the cure?

Spray under the scuttle anything that moves with a good penetrating spray , work the mechanism as you go. Have the handbrake shoes nipped up slightly and try for a few extra clicks when you apply it . Pops up everytime with force . Works for me.

 

[rifiki]

Had same problem for years in spite of correct servicing. Hook the pedal up with your foot.
It does appear to get worse in cold winter.

 

[RumblingGrunt]

Had same problem for years in spite of correct servicing. Hook the pedal up with your foot.
It does appear to get worse in cold winter.

Thank you all- much appreciated. I'll start with some penetrating oil in the footwell.
I park on a slope hence use of parking brake as well as 'Park' mode.

 

[onefortheroad]

Thank you all- much appreciated. I'll start with some penetrating oil in the footwell.
I park on a slope hence use of parking brake as well as 'Park' mode.

I personally wouldn't trust a lump of plastic . Parking pawl assembly.
Always apply the handbrake . When you don't use it , that's when it starts to go wrong.

 

[EmilysDad]

..... When you don't use it , that's when it starts to go wrong.

I've not used the hand/parking brake on my autos for the past 30+ years ... other than on a hill ....

 

[onefortheroad]

I've not used the hand/parking brake on my autos for the past 30+ years ... other than on a hill ....

It's just lazyness .

 

[EmilysDad]

It's just lazyness .

I disagree .... in most cases, a hand/parking brake on a proper auto is superfluous ...

 

[Manc Rick]

My 212 used to do this, I used to pull it up with my foot. Annoying though!

Regarding the use of parking brake, whenever I used to leave the parking brake off, when shifting out of park the next morning, it always gave a ‘thud’. That was probably because the ground wasn’t perfectly flat. I don’t have a choice now, as the electronic PB engages itself whether I want it to or not.

 

[rifiki]

Agree with onefortheroad, I always use the parking brake unless level.
Have to put gear lever in 'P' to remove ignition key.

 

[EmilysDad]

.....
Have to put gear lever in 'P' to remove ignition key.

That's the case with all autos with a mechanical selector.

My ML, with an electric column stalk, does the other way .... ie if you turn turn the ignition off & remove the key, it'll go into P itself.