Parking brake problem......it seems my parking brake is stuck. Help would be greatly appreciated...
 

I go outside yesterday to run an errand. Lower the parking brake like I've been doing for the last 115,000miles and it doesn't release.

The handle goes down but you can feel the brake is still on.

I removed the driver's side rear wheel (figured I start with that one) and looked at where the emergency brake attaches to the brake caliper (since I just replaced the rear calipers)....it looked like the little clip that holds the line (e-brake cable) in place was not on completely. I removed the "nubbin" from the caliper (the e-brake line, if you've done this you'll know what I'm talking about)......the brake releases...the hand brake in the car pulls up and down fine - the cable moves fine at the caliper. So, I hook it all back up and everything works.

I figured it got stuck from having the clip on wrong (maybe) - then, later in the day, same thing. You pull the e-brake handle....goes up like normal - you can feel it tightening. Then, release the handle and it does not release the brake.

Do I have a bad emergency brake cable?

Can these be replaced on only one side or do you need to buy an entire new assembly?

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

(And, we have snow coming in Chicago so it's sort of urgent I get it fixed - I guess I could go without an e-brake for a short time if needed but I'm not crazy about that idea.)

I had a similar problem and here is what I did.
 

I removed the boot around the e-brake lever. (Make sure you consult your bentley becuase there are a few hidden fasteners that are not easy to explain where the are are located. For instance there is one directly under the base of the e-brake handle, you have to pop it out with a small flat screw driver.) I also removed the console around the lever. When I got everything open I found that somehow the pinion that engages the toothed rack had skipped a few teeth and was not releasing properly. I then disengaged it with a srewdriver and reset in an operable position. I tested it prior to putting the assembly back together. Don't ask me how it got out of alignment because I do not know.....

I am not saying that this is your problem. I did experience this myself and wanted to share my experience. Take your time to discern your issue as more serious steps may need to be endeavoured. Brakes are one of the areas of cars that should not be taken lightly....IMO, Especially e-brakes.<ul><li><a href="http://1.8t.org/~quattroman/Audi%20B5%2097-2001/Suspension%20Wheel%20and%20Brakes/Brakes/Brake%20System/46-38%20Parking%20brake%20lever.pdf">E-Brake removal</a></li></ul>

thank you.

Love the sig man

Thanks.
 

Do you need help with one?

It would be better without all that crap covering the girl. :-)

Yeah, but then it would loose the context.
 

That is Carmen Electra sporting a pair of my underwear BTW......at least that is my story....and I am sticking to it! ;P