parking brake handle will not turn to release issue

my friends 99 prerunner parking brake got stuck and wouldn't release

we had to use a pliers to turn the shaft because the handle wouldn't turn the shaft to release it.

once we turned the shaft it released normally so it the handle doesn't grip the shaft anymore but its still connected together, its turns like its loose on the shaft and wont turn the shaft to release it.

is there a way to fix it or does he need a whole new shaft arm or a new handle for it?

it looks like there is a little cup that is like a connection between the shaft and the handle and it seams to not be connected inside

 

hmmm, lots of people looking but no comments yet?

I guess no one has ever had their e-brake handle break loose where its still attached but not connected to the shaft anymore

 

Sounds like it is torn up on the inside. Find a schematic and see what failed in the handle,,might be simple.

A crudded up e-cable system can cause a stuck handle. Backing plate pieces need to be blown out and lubed inside of that boot. Slider guides clean and free, cable in good health and adjusted right, rollers lubed, ect. Eyeball the whole system before just replacing handle pieces,,,if needed.

 

I know on the dash-pull parking brake handle you have to pull the trigger, then pull back slightly to release. If the trigger did not work, then the mechanism in the trigger may be broken. You would have to replace the handle to fix this because they don't sell rebuild kits that I am aware of.

 

so the handle can be removed?

the brake works great its just the handle wont engage to turn the teeth 90* to allow it to return to the off position so you have to grab it with a pliers and turn it that way.

he doesn't really use the e-brake and this is the first time he used it since he bought the truck 6 years ago lol. we had to move the shifter to remove the radio dash cover and that's how we found out the brake wouldn't release as it should without help

 

My Daughter borrowed my Truck once, and when I got in I could not release mine either, it just spun. Then I turned it right and re-screwed it back in and it has been working ever since. try it.

 

You may need to adjust it....and/or check the mechanism.

http://www.lieblweb.com/ebrakeadjustment.html

 

hmmm, we tried turning it but it only turns up or down and returns sideways but it never gave the impression it could turn a revolution to screw it on or off

there is nothing wrong with the e-brake, it works perfectly but the handle doesn't grip the shaft to turn it so it can be released. turning it with a pliers it releases perfectly just as it should.

the problem is in the handle connection to the e-brake shaft, something in there isn't grabbing to let you turn the shaft to release it.

 

Amazing.

I guess if you have a auto you could,,in a death defying pinch,,yank it into Park at speed. Doesn't work out so well for the parking pawl on the trans,,but hey,,the e-brake is extra weight in this case?. lol.

He is soo close to having it work right,,and saving his and other young lives. I hope sincerely you help him get it fixed right.