What is the reason why the handbrake spring cannot rebound?

[DelTimothy]

The reason why the handbrake spring cannot rebound is that it has been used for too long, and the spring has aged and rusted. The following is a detailed introduction about automobile springs: 1. Automobile suspension spring: The automobile suspension spring is an elastic element in the automobile suspension, which makes elastic contact between the axle and the frame or body, bears and transmits vertical loads, and alleviates and suppresses the impact caused by uneven road surfaces. 2. Automobile leaf spring: Automobile leaf springs, also called leaf springs, are commonly known as steel plates in northern China. Leaf springs are the most widely used elastic element in automobile suspensions. They are composed of several alloy spring plates of equal width but unequal length, forming an approximately equal-strength elastic beam.

[Maddox]

Last time my car also had the issue of the handbrake spring not retracting, and it took me quite a while to figure it out. The main reason is that the spring itself loses elasticity after prolonged use, especially those old-fashioned iron springs which naturally degrade over time. Another issue is that dust easily accumulates in the spring groove—our area has a lot of wind and sand, and when sand particles get stuck inside, the spring can't move. Additionally, if the handbrake cable lacks lubrication and becomes stiff, it can also prevent the spring from retracting. Upon disassembly, it was indeed quite dirty, and the spring had some rust. It's recommended to regularly clean the debris around the brake drum and avoid pulling the handbrake too tightly, especially in winter when temperatures drop below minus ten degrees, as the rubber sleeve can freeze and harden. Such issues need to be addressed promptly; otherwise, the brake pads will keep grinding, not only affecting driving safety but also increasing fuel consumption. It's best to take it to a repair shop to clean the spring groove and replace the spring if necessary.

[OAngelina]

Over a decade of car repairs, I've encountered numerous cases of stuck handbrake springs. The most common issue is poor spring quality, especially with aftermarket parts from small factories that are prone to deformation and jamming. Installation problems are another culprit – misalignment or deformed spring seats can hinder smooth retraction. What users often overlook is brake drum thermal expansion; high temperatures can deform the spring seat and cause jamming. Additionally, many modern vehicles have overly complex linkage mechanisms between handbrakes and brake pads, where a single rusty component can affect the entire system. Lubrication is crucial – I recommend performing handbrake cable lubrication maintenance at least annually. When encountering non-retracting issues, avoid forcing it as this can damage parking mechanism gears. During inspection, check for spring deformation or rust marks, and consider complete replacement if necessary for reliability.

[LaNevaeh]

A novice driver finds the handbrake loose but the brake light still on? It's likely a spring issue. My car had the same problem after a car wash last time, and the mechanic said it was due to rust on the spring caused by washing moisture. Not releasing the handbrake for a long time can also cause the spring to lose elasticity. The solution is simple: first try stomping on the brakes a few times, as sometimes the vibration can reset the spring. If that doesn't work, remove the hub cap yourself and clean the spring chamber, then spray some WD-40 to remove rust and lubricate it. Remember to press the handbrake all the way down when using it, and it will rebound more smoothly. If it's deformed, just replace it with a new part, which can be done for a few dozen dollars at an auto parts store.