Hey guys,

I have a 2013 Kia optima with brake issues. The emergency brake cable must have broken or snapped because there’s no tension when you press the e-break to the floor.

Also, it feels like the emergency brake is stuck in the “lock position“ because when I drive I get a terrible grinding zone.

The pads and rotors are new within the last year, so I don’t think that those are the issue.

Is there a way to attempt to manually release the emergency brake?

Your e brake may not be self adjusting. You may have to tighten the slack out of the cable, and roll the star wheel adjuster on a back wheel(s). Had to do this on my 07 Tundra.

The only real way to determine what is going on is to remove the rear calipers and rotors. This way you can look at the parking brake shoes, cables and hardware.

My bet is that the lining has come off of one or both shoes on the side making the grinding noise. This will cause the pedal to go to the floor.

maybe this will help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVAlqrx6gcs