E-brake issue

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

So... today I pulled my e brake and right as it was starting to grab, it stopped clicking and let go. Now, I know the cable isn't broken because the e brake still has tension if I hold it up. The e brake light also comes on. But the handle isn't clicking and locking. Did the gear mechanism on the handle break? Just wondering if anyone else had the same issue before I start tearing my car apart and try to find the issue.

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

I haven't gotten feedback from anyone here, but it looks like something inside the handle let go. There are 2 sets of gear drives in the e brake, one is loose and flopping all over the place. I can't really figure out where it goes. The cable is still attached and tight, but something is not connected in the assembly itself. Its really a PITA to drive a stick shift around town without an e brake so any input would be helpful. I found some videos of this online but the quality is terrible. Apparently its one of those common failure items that people have complained about on these.

[Bee]

That really sucks, but at least you were in the car when it happened. That could be a little unnerving if you got into your car and noticed the e-brake wasn't set.

From what I can gather, it doesn't sound like the internal gears are serviceable, so you may have to replace the entire handle assembly. It should be GM Part# 22747943.

[0stones0]

Originally Posted by The_bald_eagle_machine

I haven't gotten feedback from anyone here, but it looks like something inside the handle let go. There are 2 sets of gear drives in the e brake, one is loose and flopping all over the place. I can't really figure out where it goes. The cable is still attached and tight, but something is not connected in the assembly itself. Its really a PITA to drive a stick shift around town without an e brake so any input would be helpful. I found some videos of this online but the quality is terrible. Apparently its one of those common failure items that people have complained about on these.

I take it you’re in a lot of hilly terrain? Very seldomly, do I ever use the ebrake.

[SS_CTS-V]

Not the same but my cable broke and wiped out the dust seal on the driveshaft. It’s a PITA to drop the exhaust, driveshaft, and get up there to the e-brake handle, but totally doable in your garage or driveway.

[gtstorey]

Originally Posted by 0stones0

I take it you’re in a lot of hilly terrain? Very seldomly, do I ever use the ebrake.

Not in FL.

[The_bald_eagle_machine]

I personally don't like to turn my car off and leave it in gear. I have started my car in gear and hopped a curb in one of my first clutch cars and have been cautious ever since. I prefer to use the e-brake. You would be suprised how hilly north central Florida can be actually. Anyone who knows the Ocala area can vouch for what I am saying.

I really dislike the idea of pulling the exhaust, and driveshaft, to install a new e brake shaft. Maybe I will jack the car up and see if I can work around everything. It looks like the e brake handle assembly has a small section of cable that goes through the tunnel area and connects to the rest of the cables. Maybe I can fish that part in and out with a new assembly.

[SS_CTS-V]

I hear you on the brake, I'm just down the road in Tampa and I'm the same. I use it every time.

You might be able to fish it out, but for me there just wasn't enough room, and since I had to replace the dust boot my driveshaft had to come out.