Why Your Subaru Parking Brake Won't Release

James Todd - Founder of Oil Filters Online

The parking brake in your Subaru is an important safety feature that helps to keep your car from rolling away, even on a slight incline. So, if you find that your parking brake won't release, it can be a real problem. There are a few possible reasons for this issue, which we'll explore in this blog post.

Possible Reason #1: Frozen Calipers

If the calipers on your Subaru's parking brake are frozen, they may not release when you depress the pedal. This can often happen in cold weather. To fix this problem, you'll need to thaw out the calipers.

You can do this by pour hot water over them or using a hair dryer. Once they're thawed out, try depressing the parking brake pedal again. If the calipers are still not releasing, move on to the next possible reason.

Possible Reason #2: seized cables

If the cables that operate your parking brake have seized up, they may be preventing the brake pads from fully releasing. To fix this problem, you'll need to replace the cables. You can do this yourself if you're handy with car repairs, or you can take it to a mechanic and have them do it for you.

Possible Reason #3: air in the system

If there's air in your parking brake's hydraulic system, it can prevent the fluid from flowing properly and cause the parking brake to get stuck in the engaged position. To fix this problem, you'll need to bleed the brakes and flush out the system. This is a fairly involved repair and is best left to a professional mechanic.

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How to Prevent Your Parking Brake from Getting Stuck

Now that you know some of the possible reasons why your parking brake might get stuck, let's talk about how you can prevent it.

One of the best ways to prevent your parking brake from getting stuck is to use it regularly. That may sound counterintuitive, but if you don't use your parking brake often, the cables can seize up from lack of use. So, make a point of using your parking brake every time you park, even if you're just going to be parked for a few minutes.

Another good way to prevent your parking brake from getting stuck is to keep it properly maintained. This means making sure that the cables are well lubricated and in good working order.

You should also regularly check the fluid level in the hydraulic system and top it off if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your parking brake will always release when you need it to.

If you find that your parking brake won't release, it could be due to frozen calipers, seized cables, or air in the system. To prevent this issue from occurring, make sure to use your parking brake regularly and keep it properly maintained.

Conclusion

If your Subaru's parking brake won't release, there are a few possible reasons why. Most likely, it's either because the calipers are frozen or because the cables have seized up. In either case, you'll need to replace the parts that are causing the problem. If there's air in your parking brake's hydraulic system, you'll need to bleed the brakes and flush out the system—but this is best left to a professional mechanic.