Datsun 280ZX rear brakes lock

[Barbara Van Ruyckevelt]

We have a 280ZX 1983 with 61,000 miles. Rear Stop lights on permanently and rear brake locked on.

 

Could this be a simple caliper greasing?

 

Thanks,

 

Barbara

[SHADY280]

as for the rear brake being locked on, it could be the e-brake or the pads stuck to the rotors. as for the lights being on, seperate system, so it could be your brake switch up at the pedal. un plug the switch, and they should turn off. pull the rear wheels, or even look underneath. youll see where the park brake cable comes into the caliper, if it looks pulled when the brake isnt appiled, then it seized, hit with hammer and get new cables. go look and report back, maybe with pix.

[datzenmike]

Hi Barbara

 

I've had a branch that I drove over get caught up between the E brake cable and the body. Wasn't enough to pull the brakes on but the brake warning light on the dash came on. Wouldn't explain the rear lights being on though.

 

The locked brakes and the brake lights on are most likely related. Are front AND rear brakes locked or just the rears? Maybe a siezed master cylinder? What do you guy's think?

[Bleach]

the light is activated with either the parking brake handle being up (or switch is bad at the handle)

or the fluid level is low in the master cylinder

 

The rear parking brake cable that goes between the two sides is in a sleeve. A common problem is for this cable to become sticky and not release. Unhook the park brake cable at the calipers on both sides. Then see if the calipers realease. If they do release then the cable is your problem.

[SHADY280]

i think she means the rear taillights, not the dash warning indicator.