Hi y'all,
I'm not in the habit of using my parking brake, but used it a bit recently (to prevent the daytime running lights from going on when I started my Jimmy). So, this means my parking brakes aren't heavily used and shouldn't be worn out. Anyways, now the brake won't engage. The pedal just goes down when I step on it, and there's no clicking, and it springs back up when I remove my foot. This happened recently, when the weather has been really cold (minus 30 Celsius). I saw some other poster, in S10 forum with this same problem. Wonder of other Blazer/Jimmy/s10 owners have encountered this and what the solution is.
Thanks

 

I've taken one out recently, looked at it and actually 'fixed it after looking at it(out of the vehicle). Had to bend an arm which aided the ratcheting action. As a bailout option, they are available from your local GM dealer-I stock one but purchased it years ago-can't remember what I paid and know it wouldn't be what they are now($). Good luck Jerry

 

Thanks Jerry,
Had a look underneath the dash to see if I can see what's wrong (can't, pretty crowded under there). So probably have to remove the dash to get at the latch mechanism? Can you speculate on why it stopped working? I didn't hear any snap and the cables seem all intact and have tension. One second it works next it doesn't. Like I said, I don't use the parking brake much (automatic tranny is enough). I'm wondering if it is related to the cold weather and something is just sticking (unless a spring broke), rather than needing bending or adjustment.
GM part can't be cheap. They wanted $300 for a new U-joint. Maybe it is nicer, but not ten times as nice (had needle bearings, just like the one I bought).

 

o1 Jimmy,
I recently bought my neighbor's 2000 Blazer and it had the same problem; parking brake would not catch or remain engaged. Several other GM cars I'd bought in the past suffered similarly and this fix worked for all of them, including the 2000 Blazer.
There's a ratchet and pawl near the pivot point of the parking brake foot lever (impossible to see it). The spring that engages the ratchet is weak and subject to rust, dust or whatever binds it up.
I put an old towel below the parking pedal, got a new can of WD40 with the tube attached to the spray head, stuck the tube up toward the parking brake pivot and flooded it really well. Worked the brake a few times, then shot it some more. Two or three good squirts usually restored the parking brake function. Then wiped up the drips with the old towel.
I typically use the parking brake as my driveway is on a hill, so no further 'cleaning' has been necessary.
Hope this helps,
John

 

I would try John's fix-what have you got to loose. If you have to take it out it's not that bad. Have to remove the black panel just above it to reveal the three bolts that hold it in place plus the cable and an electrical plug. That's plan (B). Plan (C) going to GM...Depending on your pricing structure at GM, that pedal assembly can probably be bought for around $100-if memory serves me correct! By the way-if you don't mind me asking...p235-75-R15-RTS's-how much did they set you back each? They were 75's right, not 70's? Thx Jerry PS don't think you'll have to resort to plan (C).

 

Forget about the RTS question-that was for someone else. Sorry and have a good New Year! Jerry

 

Up here in Canada, Wrangler RT/S are getting hard to find (so won't get a deal on the price). Thought about driving down to US and getting them at Walmart or Sears. However, decided to support my local economy, and might be better idea flat-repair and warranty-wise. Lots of better tires available, so they say. However, I've got one brand new one (the spare) so why not buy another and run this pair, to save money and delay my adding of 4-5 tires to the recyclers. Keeps the Earth a little greener a little longer, so me and my Angel can enjoy her longer... My P235/75 R15 105S set me back CAN$157, truck feels much more secure in the snow with new tread on the rear and about 7/32 left on the fronts. I'll only put 4-6,000 km per year on the truck, unless I decide to take it on a long spin up to the Yukon (to see the northern lights) or down to Vancouver, so I figure my 4 half (well, more like 2/3) used tires will last me another 2 years, and my new ones on the rear will easily outlast these.These 2/3 used tires have gotten 95,000 km on them, and no uneven wear, bulges, etc. (bravo, Goodyear). Maybe I don't know what I'm missing out on with all these newer, better tires out there, guess I'll have to wait a couple years to find out (unless the wife decides I deserve some reward for my good service and lets me slap on some top rated ATs sooner;-P).

Hey John, thanks for the great suggestion. I've got a huge can of WD-40 sitting around downstairs (and this year my rear hatch glass has stopped squeaking by itself; I'm beginning to think this truck has a personality, usually good). I'm even thinking it's not so badleaving the P brake as it is (as long as it doesn't decide to heal itself when I least expect it.. Good fordrift braking the vehicle (which I only do for fun in the snow, only in the wide open where I think it is really safe to do it, and not at crazy speeds). Ah, the good old days when I used to Solo2 my CRX...Good to know how your vehicle handles too, under all possible situations. dEdmonton is pretty well flat so I don't really need a P brake normally, the parking pawl of the auto tranny is enough. Should get it fixed if I plan to sell Angel though (which will never happen;-P). Good hearing from you again too, Jerry. HNY!