Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

When rotating the handle slightly CCW a small bend at the end of the rod should lift a locking pawl out of the ratchet to release the brake. It is possible something is preventing the rotation or the pawl is damaged and cannot release. The locking mechanism is on the engine side of the firewall at the end of the emergency brake handle rod and is almost under the fender edge. The spring holding the rod could also be at issue because it is a known failure item. It is a special spring but new ones are available thru the vendors.

Here is an article from a 51 counselor showing the assy after it was revised by the changing of a small spring at the end of the rod. The rod end which lifts the locking pawl just above it is indicated in the left photo figure 1 by the red arrow. Your 55 e brake setup is identical.

To clarify Howard's comment, that spring helps hold the ratchet tight, so if it is missing, the brake should be easier to release. It is worth having someone rotate the handle CCW while you peek under the hood and make sure the ratchet pawl clears. If so, your problem is elsewhere.

Note, on my 55 Deluxe my parking brake was frozen (released) when I got it. I removed the entire rear parking brake cable assembly and lubed the entire thing, especially in the guides (Bowden cables) and equalizer, with a coat of bearing grease. Works like new now. Those guides can gum up the cable pretty well since your leverage on the handle is not too good with respect to them; the leverage instead is generated in the brake housing itself.