1986 Chevy Camaro e-brake doesn't work!

SOPHIENSARAH

MEMBER
1986 CHEVROLET CAMARO

Brakes problem
1986 Chevy Camaro 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual

Please if someone can help and give advice.I am looking to purchase an 86 camaro for my husband, and when I went to look at it the e-brake doesn't work, and I'm not sure why? I want to make sure this is something that isn't extremely costly to fix, what might potentially be wrong with it, etc. Etc. My husband is a car guy, but I can't very well ask him if it's something that will be okay when purchasing the car or if it wouldn't be worth it since it's a surprise for him as a present for our anniversary. Any and all replies are greatly appreciated!

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

If you could provide a little more detail, I may be able to give you better advise.

For example, when you say the emergency brake doesn't work, do you mean:
When the brake lever is depressed, the brakes don't engage?
The brake lever won't move or is stuck?
The brake lever is disconnected?

Whatever the problem with the emergency brakes, this shouldn't be a costly fix. (Depends on what you consider to be costly)

The most common problems on vehicles of this age is a rusted cable/linkage. If you were to replace this entire cable from the brake lever to the rear drums, you'll probably be looking at $200.