After applying parking brake and hearing a loud noise it appears the cable has broken. The release handle is limp and the brake indicator dash light stays on. How does the brake pedal and the brake release lever work together? Is there any way I can at least get the brake cable to release so I can drive it to the shop for repair? Thanks for any and all info regarding this request. Skoot

 

I was able to get the brake light to go off by pulling up the limp peddle from the contact switch, the truck seems to roll in neutral without any drag so I'm assuming the brake shoes are not locked against the drums. I'll take it to the shop for evaluation and then post the results and cost of repairs..

 

Glad you got it released and sorry noone was able to respond. You need to see which cable broke. There is one that goes from the pedal to a "T" bracket and then 2 separate cable to go to each drum. If the pedal came back up then the e-brake should be released and it won't hurt to drive it. Good luck!

 

2003 1500HD crew cab - Emergency Brake Cable Repair - Left side rear cable was broken, right side cable frayed. Both cable actuators were seized. Parking brake system was disassembled to replace cables and also service and recondition parking brake mechanism and actuators. Reassemble, adjust brake shoes and test drive. Out the door for the GRAND TOTAL = $482.01. PARTS (2 cables) $113.95 LABOR ($88.00 hr.) $368.06

 

OUCH at least it's fixed though.

 

Ouch, $368.06 is a minor pinch compared to the repair I endured to get a sticker just 2 months ago. GRAND TOTAL = $2676.71 For services rendered: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT on = 2 knock sensors replaced, R&R intake manifold plenum. / Total parts- $296.43 Labor-$325.60 / AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT on = 1 sensor, Total parts $93.70 Labor - 132.88 / TRANSFER CASE LEAK (pump rub) = R & R rear case half, Total Parts - $751.98 Labor - $360.80 / FUEL INJECTOR, THROTTLE BODY SERVICE = 1 Flush, Total parts $54.95 Labor - $99.00 / FRONT WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT = 1 Hub, Total parts $374.59 Labor - $178.64 / MISC ENVIRONMENTAL & SHOP SUPPLIES = $28.14

 

WOW I need to open a shop! It's threads like this that make me appreciate that I can turn a wrench. I wonder if they charged you twice for the labor. You have to remove a lot of the same parts to do the cables as the brake job. I hear that all too often that shops want to charge for every single job like it is the only thing they are doing when a lot of the time they have already charged for removal of certain items. My favorite, which my dad just fell victim to, is when you go in with a complaint about something. In his case it was spongy brakes and they charged him $800 and his brakes were exactly the same when he left. They threw a few parts at it and even though it didn't fix it they charged him for replacing good parts.

 

In the past I owned a Chevy Blazer 6 cyl Vortex that started out with some slipping in the transmission. After having the Blazer evaluated it was determined it was overall in fair condition so I went forward and spent $1800.00 to replace the transmission with high hopes it was all it needed. Well, not 1500 miles later the head gasket leaked. Already had 1800.00 invested. So, I had it repaired for around $450.00. It's all set now. WRONG!! Like 2 days later the water pump is leaking. There goes another $360.00. I'm thinking OK, $2600.00 spent, still less expensive than a new car with monthly payments. That turned out to be just a thought in my head. BAM! 2 weeks go by and the front axle to the transfer case is shot. The dealer tells me he can get a used replacement for $650.00. Why stop now? It's only $650.00 more. Your thinking, ready to drive now? No, No, No. We're only half way there. Next came the $100.00 headaches. First the multi-function turn signal /wiper switch wore out. $150.00 for that replacement. Then came the $85.00 heater core to replace the one that leaked antifreeze inside the passenger side floor. I had to practically remove the entire dashboard out to make that replacement. Major PITA... Ok, now it's time to renew the sticker. Just pull in and get one? NOT!!!! Sorry Mr. Skoot you have a fuel line leaking and need to get it repaired before a sticker can be issued. Hey, let me break out the check book to the local mechanic to save $$ on dealer labor costs. RIGHT. A new gas tank, Carter sending unit and fuel line installed only $1100.00. Think I'm ready to start cruising the strip on Hampton Beach?... Yeah, on the back of a flatbed tow truck. The Blazer now just cuts off completely while driving. No power steering,brakes and won't restart for sometimes an hour. Sounds and feels like an electrical short. Blazer goes back to local mechanic runs it for 2 days finds nothing wrong. I drive it again. Guess what? It's back on the flat bed. More $100.00 headaches coming right up! Ignition module replacement $120.00. Nope, that's not it. Ignition switch replacement 100.00 Nope, that's not it either. I give up... I'm driving it to the dealership..I get only half way there and it stalls out AGAIN. Boy, I really got to save gas using my AAA card having the blazer driving around on a flat bed. Dealer diagnosis the problem back to the Carter sending unit in the gas tank which had to be dropped back down. A new Delco sending unit, relay switch and labor only another $1100.00. I've since given the Blazer to my brother just so I don't have to look at it any more for robbing me of nearly $7000.00. I've set a $3500.00 repair budget on the Silverado for this year before I decide to give it up. I'm already at about $2900.00. (which could have already been a nice down payment for something new.) My next truck will DEFINITLY not be GM. I can't afford to keep GM service departments employed with any more money from me. I'll let Obama do it by himself now.