Feels like emergency brake is still on when I try to drive in either direction

[mhoecker]

Naturally, this just had to happen right when it is turning into nice riding weather. Ah, well. About 3 weeks ago when I moved my RT to put it on the tire ramps so that my husband could install the sway bars, I noticed that the brakes were making a pretty loud squelling sound. Sounded like it was coming mostly from the back and I figured it might be from sitting for a while, I didn't worry about it. Finally got around to getting it off the ramps today and it sounded just as bad, so I took it down to the road to see if riding it would fix it. It didn't. All wheels feel like the emergency (parking) brake was on and made both low and high pitched sounds. A little scary. I gave it a fair amount of throttle and could only get up to around 19. I didn't dare try to get higher. Anybody experience this? I am open to any help I can get! Taking it to the dealer will most certainly be a multi-week adventure. :sour:

Madonna

 

[mcaccamise]

Sounds like the e brake dident release or there might be a sticking caliper that wont release the pads from the rotor
I would jack it up and check to see if it is the rear e brake adjustment or one of the two front wheels that might be draging the pads.
Mike

 

[mhoecker]

Sounds like the e brake dident release or there might be a sticking caliper that wont release the pads from the rotor
I would jack it up and check to see if it is the rear e brake adjustment or one of the two front wheels that might be draging the pads.
Mike

How or can I make it release? Is there a manual way to release a brake that is set electronically? I don't have the shop manual and would love to have my husband fix this if it is within his ability (like this weekend).

Madonna

 

[Highwayman2013]

The plastic parking brake thing is on the right rear, see if it moves when you release the park brake. You could even see if you can turn it by hand. You could jack up the rear to see if the rear wheel moves freely. I had to take it apart on mine last week because the back brake was squeaking at low speeds. 1 nut on park brake thingee two on caliper (c clips on ends). Good luck

 

[Rotaxer]

Check to see if it is the front or rear. E brake is just the rear, if it is the front the you may have a caliper problem.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

There are some older threads about the parking brake that have pictures that might help your hubby. Good luck

 

[mhoecker]

There are some older threads about the parking brake that have pictures that might help your hubby. Good luck

Ann, I always search before I ask but I hadn't found that. Took me 5 different searches (don't know why) until I finally found what I think you were referencing. That helped a lot.

The bottom line, I showed hubs how to turn the Spyder on and how to engage and disengage the parking brake. After dickering with it - meaning turning it on and off several times - it clunked and now works fine so far! Just needed to shake off the winter dust, I guess.

Thanks to everyone for the help!!

Madonna