parking brake lock up - midsummer?

I had a strange scenario happen over the 4th and looking for some help. It was a hot day here on Lake Erie in Ohio (around 90). I launched 2 jet ski's from a trailer at the marina around 10 AM. Parked the truck at the launch and cruised on the water for the day. When I got back to the truck around 5 PM I could not get the parking brake to disengage. I've got a manual so I have the hand brake on the console. The lever went up and down freely, it seemed to have tension on it as it moved but the truck was frozen in place. I tried many times to rock the vehicle over the span of a few hours that evening - to the point I smelled the clutch. Fortunately a buddy with me had an SUV with a hitch so we used his vehicle to hook up the trailer and get the skis out. Being the 4th I scheduled a tow for the following morning. When I got back to the truck around 8 AM on the next day I dropped the brake lever and the truck moved without issue!

I took the truck into the dealership to be sure - no trouble found by them. I have an Icon suspension upgrade - they were quick to remind me that I voided all warranties and blamed potential "stretch" from the suspension lift.

I mentioned the warm temps because I dunked the rear tires in the cold lake water moments before parking it for the day - seems unlikely but I wondered if the extreme temp changes to the brake/wheels could be a factor.

I was fortunate to be parked at a marina over a holiday that was easy to leave it overnight. Other scenarios could be much worse so I'm hoping to understand the problem better. Any insight would be much appreciated. Here's a pic of the truck back home - 25k miles on a manual 2017 TRD Pro.

 

Regarding the suspension voiding all warranties, I call bs. I just had the same conversation with my dealer and they told me the only warranties that are voided are on the physical things you touch and change, so the only warranty a suspension would void is the suspension

 

Sounds like it temporarily rusted in place after getting dunked.

 

This reads like an episode of Dragnet on why you should not modify vehicles.

I'm surprised the truck wouldn't move at all even with the brake engaged. Most mechanicle parking brakes have enough play where the vehicle will somewhat move. Next time put in 4wd, lock the rear, point it away from the water and throttle up. I bet it will move.

 

Not true. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act

You only voided warranty on parts you replaced and anything else they can successfully blame on the lift.

For example, how would they blame an AC failure on the suspension?

Parking brake is iffy, but I'm not buying it.

BTW, have you done the diff breather relocate, since you are dipping your rear in the lake? Be a good idea to do so.

 

Water. Surface rust. The end.Dry the brakes off next time.

 

Yep. Next time pull your handbrake a bit while you are heading to your parking space. Just enough to let it drag a bit and dry off before you park and pull it for real.

 

This sounds like the culprit, thanks!

Copy that, good call

Will do. Thanks for the help

 

I've recently tore my ebrake hose housing bc my suspension droops so much now even with a ebrake lowering bracket. I will be cutting the entire bracket off when I replace the line soon. The ebrake still works but locks up every time now. Even before the ebrakes would lock up cold and a few hot days after rain puddles. Get out and wiggle the ebrake lines will most of the time work. I found driving in reverse a few feet disengages the ebrakes now that I've torn the hose.

 

Park brake on in 2WD, I'd be smoking the clutch trying to make the truck move. It holds really well actually.

 

I didn't think it was a good idea. Anytime I've seen someone try it with an automatic it would move. I know auto vs manual.

 

I'm going to look into this as well - thanks. I've got an appointment with the folks that installed the suspension next week.

 

Prerry normal for Drum brakes to do this. The water made the brakes freeze in place a bit. I'm a Yard Shifter for UPS and the air brakes don't always disengage unless you drag the trailer a bit.

 

I've had mine lock up once on me. It sat for about two weeks while we were on vacation and when we came back the wheels were locked tight. I had to put it in reverse to get it to release. This was May in Texas so not a cold issue or getting it wet and then parking it.

 

I'm disappointed in myself for not thinking to flip it into 4WD. I will next time. I bet you're right and it would have freed it.

 

...^^^... Cool looking truck ...