Ford Thunderbird Parking brake won't release Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(153)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(153)

Parking brake won't release Inspection Service

How much does a Parking brake won't release Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Thunderbird Parking brake won't release Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1980 Ford ThunderbirdV8-4.2LService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
1964 Ford ThunderbirdV8-7.0LService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1987 Ford ThunderbirdL4-2.3L TurboService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1993 Ford ThunderbirdV8-5.0LService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
1991 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L TurboService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2004 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9LService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
1963 Ford ThunderbirdV8-6.7LService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
1996 Ford ThunderbirdV8-4.6LService typeParking brake won't release InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ford Thunderbird Parking brake won't release Inspection prices

Your parking brake ensures that you’re able to park securely on an incline. It also ensures that you don’t have to rely on the parking gear of your transmission, as it’s possible for the transmission to slip, and then the car can roll. Most parking brakes are relatively simple, but they are subject to several potential problems that could leave you with a parking brake that won’t release.

How this system works:

Depending on the make and model you drive, you could have one of several different parking brake setups. There are multiple systems in current use. However, they all share a few basic characteristics.

When you pull up the parking brake handle, that motion engages a cable or pair of cables depending on the car in question. If you have two cables, one goes to each rear wheel. If you have only a single cable, it will run to a “splitter” somewhere near the back of the car, which will then split into two cables, with one running to each rear wheel.

That cable is what engages the parking brake. Disengaging the parking brake requires a return spring on each drum or caliper (again, this varies significantly from one car to another). Then the return springs are engaged, the parking brake disengages, and the cable returns to its normal position (this occurs when you put the parking brake handle down).

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Corroded Parking Brake Cable: Parking brake cables are subject to rust and damage. They’re exposed to the elements, and even a little bit of corrosion can be enough to cause your parking brake to not disengage. It’s also possible for other problems to mimic this condition, including ice forming during winter.

  • Damaged Return Springs: Over time, your return springs wear. Once they lose enough strength, they won’t be able to disengage the parking brake. It’s also possible for a return spring to be damaged, bent or even broken.

  • Rear Caliper Pivot Arm Seized: Both rear calipers have pivot arms that play a role in engaging and disengaging your parking brake. If these are seized, your brake may not disengage.

  • Stuck Caliper: If your car has rear disc brakes, it’s possible that a stuck caliper is to blame. Again, this will depend greatly on the make and model you drive, as some cars that use rear disc brakes don’t use the caliper to actuate the emergency brakes.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect the parking brake system, including the cable, the springs, the calipers and more. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect all aspects of your parking brake system, including the handle, the cable assembly, the cable itself, the return springs, the calipers if necessary and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to remove one or both rear wheels, as well as the drums/discs and calipers to access the parking brake.

How important is this service?

If your parking brake will not disengage, you cannot drive the car. Driving will overheat the brakes and damage the parking brake, as well as the rotor. One of our professional mechanics can come to your location and assess the situation, and then repair the parking brake so you can get back on the road once more.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(153)

Rating Summary
145
3
2
0
3
145
3
2
0
3

Nicholas

11 years of experience
303 reviews
Nicholas
11 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V6-3.8L - Car door is sagging Inspection - Houston, Texas
Nicholas arrived early which I appreciate and thoroughly inspected the issue with my car. He showed and explained everything to me so I now know for sure what I am dealing with. He was friendly and polite and I truly appreciate the service your company provides.

Chris

22 years of experience
2223 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-4.6L - Electric Problems - Fountain Valley, California
On time. Professional. Great customer experience. Patiently explains problem.

Adam

17 years of experience
230 reviews
Adam
17 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V8-3.9L - Valve Cover Gasket - Boca Raton, Florida
Very knowledgeable

Lavell

28 years of experience
230 reviews
Lavell
28 years of experience
Ford Thunderbird V6-3.8L - Check Engine Light is on - Berkeley, California
Lavell is a true professional and was very informative. He offered helpful insights into my car's health. To notch!

Excellent Rating

(153)

Rating Summary
145
3
2
0
3
145
3
2
0
3
Number of Ford Thunderbird services completed
1683+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Does a Heads-Up Display (HUD) Work?
Driver Driver safety has become paramount in recent years. There has been a strong emphasis on ensuring you as a driver can keep your eyes on the road as much as possible. Devices have been incorporated into vehicle controls for...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing AC Receiver Dryer
If you see signs of refrigerant leakage, hear rattling noises, or smell mold coming from the AC, you may have to replace the AC receiver dryer.
Cell Phones and Texting: Distracted Driving Laws in Florida
Florida Florida defines distracted driving as anything that takes your mind off the road, hands off the wheel, or your eyes away from the road. Since 2012, distracted driving crashes have increased by 25 percent. Distractions Texting Reaching for a...

Van shakes, makes knocking noise - 1993 GMC G2500

Hello. You will need to find out if your engine is misfiring due to an ignition part like plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement), plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement), or distributor parts like a cap and rotor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/distributor-rotor-and-cap-replacement) or the module. If all the tune-up maintenance...

can i get pitman arm and idler arm fixed?

Hi there. The Pitman Arm & Idler Arm are essentially the same component; however, they operate on opposite sides of the vehicle. The idler arm operates on the passenger side, while the pitman arm connects the steering box to the...

In on hold with the irs

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com