Parking / Emergency Brake Issue

[HughDTX]

My car just failed inspection because of the parking brake.

From my observations it works, but it only keeps the car from going backwards. If you put car in drive it will roll and the p-brake doesn't catch it at all. Also, it seems the brake stays on even when you put the lever back down.

Example: I park and engage p-brake. I disengage p-brake and put car in reverse and the car is slow to move because the brake is still catching. I put car in drive and, of course, it's not catching at all. After driving around the reverse catch goes away entirely.

Any ideas? I did a search and found nothing posted like this.

Thanks!

 

[80convertible]

C3s are known for malfunctioning e-brakes, and you would not be the first to not pass inspection due to the pos e-brake. One of the problems is that the e-brake parts freeze up due to rust. This is why the aftermarket sells stainless steel parts. First I would recommend simply lubing all the parts to see if that helps with the disengagement problem. Then adjust the e-brake tension per the service or Haynes manual. In my case, the e-brake does not function properly due to a stretched cable. I plan to replace both the front and rear cable.

 

[mike weyman]

if you're adjusted right up and still not getting brake the pivot point for the e-brake on the wheel may be worn. you will have to have a good look at the wheel where the brake pivot contacts the steel backer plate of the wheel.this often wears and makes the pivot point so far ahead that it does nothing for putting on the ebrake. you can see this if you look where the pivot is, if there is no backer disc (big dust guard for wheel)against the e-brake , and only touches against the cast iron part.
you can cut a piece of 1/4 inch steel aprox 1/2 inch x 5/8 inch x 1/4inch.this should fit snugly in the valley where the plate covered. if this fits, try the brake by hand , you should feel the pull(not much by hand at wheel)if all works, remove the piece,clean the area up with the dremel tool and steel epoxy the piece in.
i taught myself this trick when i seen how fun replacing the backer disc is.mike

 

[HughDTX]

Thanks a lot guys! Both of your replies are helpful.... I'll post what happens.