My e-brakes activated out of nowhere when I didn't drive my 91 4x4 for a week and a half. The light is on as well as the Rear ABS light. The e-brakes are not totally engaged. I called the garage and they said that it is a common thing here in Utah for them to freeze up. I jacked up the car and pulled the wheels off and I couldn't get to the rotor and brakes. There is a plate that seals them up. I guess it's because I'm not used to working on 4 wheel drives but on all the cars I've ever worked on, I would pull the wheel off and there would be the rotor and brakes. It looks like it would just pull off but it didn't. It seemed to be spring loaded or something. How do I get that plate off?

Mike

 

Are what your looking at, look like these/this? These are brake dust shields, their usually held in place by 'star' type rings over the lug studs.. If I'm correct in what you looking at, take a sharp chisel and place it in a narrow area of the clip and cut it in two/three places to pop them off..

[IMG]local://upfiles/6756/08423DCDCB8D4FB4AEE86FCFF54D006B.jpg[/IMG]

 

Yeah, they look like that but I don't remember seeing a star thing I can take a picture of them. How about the e-brakes being frozen, will I be able to pop them back into place?
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Are you sure the problem is with E brake? Usually when you get both those service lights at same time it indicates hydraulic failure or low fluid level situation. Make sure you don't have minor fluid leak. If your prop valve sticks it triggers both of those lights. Got to consider how E brake got stuck. Did you apply it prior to parking? Or are you assuming it is stuck because light is on?

 

I'm not positive it is with the e-brake. I didn't set it before I parked. I was under the car though and the cables are real loose. when I push down on the e-brake cable with my foot it doesn't make that clicking sound anymore and "winch" down. Something is dragging on the brakes, I can feel it when I drive down the street and back.