Toyota MR2 Message Board - View Single Post

dirocyn · 10-08-2009, 11:20 AM

I'd try to free it up with a penetrating spray and elbow grease, I'd always rather take the chance that I don't have to spend any money. PB Blaster seems to work better than WD-40, but it gives me a headache. Avoid getting that crap on brake pads.

Soak down the mechanism with a penetrating oil and let it sit for 20 minutes or so, then come back to it and see if you can get it to free up. If you can't get it to move in 10 minutes, you're probably better off replacing.

BTW, it's very common for the parking brake cables to freeze, are you sure it's the brake mechanism and not the cable?

Best way to work that mechanism, that I can think of, is take off the parking brake cable, grab that sucker with vice grips near where the cable attached, and go to town on it. If it's the cable and not the mechanism you'll see that soon enough.

10-08-2009, 11:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
dirocyn Cage Fighter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 208 Thanks: 7 Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I'd try to free it up with a penetrating spray and elbow grease, I'd always rather take the chance that I don't have to spend any money. PB Blaster seems to work better than WD-40, but it gives me a headache. Avoid getting that crap on brake pads. Soak down the mechanism with a penetrating oil and let it sit for 20 minutes or so, then come back to it and see if you can get it to free up. If you can't get it to move in 10 minutes, you're probably better off replacing. BTW, it's very common for the parking brake cables to freeze, are you sure it's the brake mechanism and not the cable? Best way to work that mechanism, that I can think of, is take off the parking brake cable, grab that sucker with vice grips near where the cable attached, and go to town on it. If it's the cable and not the mechanism you'll see that soon enough.