How to Release Stuck Parking Brake

[Bralow]

Hi everyone,

Been lurking for a while. Just got a '06 GX non-KDSS with 136k. I'm excited!

I hate to make my first thread a cry for help instead of a build thread but... help

1. Right rear parking brake is stuck. I mean solid. Will not rotate by hand with wheel off.

2. Both were dragging, but I was able to adjust the driver side while in a friends garage yesterday. Thanks @co4wheel for these instructions !

3. This is not the sticky handle problem. Thanks @dnp for those instructions ! Fully lubed and functional.

4. Was not like this when I drove it home. I think I did it by over pulling when adjusting the handle tension fix - from this video.

5. Down behind the handle under the console - Driver side goes slack when I release handle, passenger does not.

6. I've already driven it about 4 miles to get it home (I know, I know!) Wheel was sizzling hot.

7. I do not have a garage, full size jack, extensive tools, at my apartment.

8. I'm just looking for a way to break it loose so I can get it to the mechanic without destroying my brand new KO2s or my hub.

9. Reddit says I should just bang on it with a mallet ?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[Bralow]

Just as a quick update here for anyone in the future searching for stuck parking brake emergency brake on Lexus GX470

After work today I opened the console again and loosened the hand brake cable tension nut as loose as it would go without coming off.

Then I crawled under and jerked / wiggled the line for a bit and banged on the brake assembly with a rubber mallet.

I think it came loose - I heard it un-clench and then the car rolled forward half an inch or so (It was in park and chocked).

BUT - I drove it around our little street here for a few minutes, no more than 1/2 mile total and the right rear brake was much warmer than the other 3.

I know "warped" rotors is not a thing, etc, etc. Since I'm pretty sure the e-brake is release and it's still getting hot do you all think I'm rubbing or have a cracked rotor?

Still not going to drive it, but I feel more comfortable driving it straight to the shop now.

 

[CarolinaGX]

take the wheel and caliper off. The parking brake is a drum brake inside of the rotor (separate from the disc caliper). If you can remove the rotor without any drama, more than likely, it isnt dragging.

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

Could be a seized brake caliper.

 

[Bralow]

Yes, I think it was actually both!

I did manage to get the parking brake un-stuck.

I think the caliper is still seized partially. But it will at least crawl up hill when I take my foot off the gas now, which it was not doing before.

I am still not driving it until my brakes come in and I can get it to the shop to replace them.