The parking brake on my late model 2002 (Uk spec, 52 plate) Elantra has become frozen. I can release the parking brake handle no worries but the calipers do not release. How can I overcome this problem?

 

It is likely that either the cables have seized up or the caliper has. In North America in areas that use road salt, the cables freezing up is a common issue.

 

Hi there, re frozen parking brake.Following a worrying few hours the brake became unfrozen. I have now examined the mechanism and it turns out the two concetena rubber covers at the end of the brake cable at the junction of the caliper have become split and the moisture has got in, hence the problem. Am now sourcing the replacement bits. Thanks for ya help. James

 

This sounds a lot like my car; I have a 2003 Elantra. On very cold days, when I first start up the car, it feels like the parking brake is engaged. I can't get the car over 25 mph, and the parking brake has no resistance when I pull up. I've had the car in to 4 different auto shops (2 Hyundai dealerships), and no one has been able to tell me what's wrong. The car is usually ok after it warms up, but today was worse than usual - smoke from the brakes, terrible smell, and thumping noises. I have a little baby (only 8 months), and I don't feel safe driving him around in the car. I made an appointment at yet another auto shop, and I'm going to have them look at the parking brake cable. Will I be safe driving the baby the 1/2 hour to the shop?

 

It's really bad to drive like that. I wouldn't drive it until I was able to get the brakes to unstick. Next couple of days is supposed to be warmer. Just FYI, I NEVER set the parking brake during cold weather, just for this reason. Do you have to use the parking brake when you park? If you don't have to park on an incline, then I wouldn't be using it.

PS - Your dealer is terrible. Take your lawyer to the dealership next time.

 

Unfortunately my driveway is a hill so I should use the e brake. Do you think new cables will help?

 

It's either your brake cable, or the brake shoes (calipers?) themselves which are sticking. By now you probably wore out the rear brake shoes. Do you know anybody who can do brake shoe replacements?