On my '90, the parking brake line wont release even though the handle will release. Anybody know how to fix the problem?

 

Several possible problems to diagnose. Either one or both your park brake cables are corroded. Either one or both of your rear caliper operating levers are corroded. You'll have to jack up the back end & pull the wheels. With a pair of channellocks try moving
the operating lever ( cable attached) if they move, have someone use the park brake to find which cables not moving.

 

Are both rear wheels locked by brake or only 1 side?

 

How long was it engaged? Sounds like it could've rusted in place. I'm not sure what to do about it off the top of my head. The answer might be here though --> http://www.miata.net/garage/ebrake/index.html

 

Skimmed the article. The answer is at the bottom under Failure Modes.

 

First off, it only has 18,000 miles, second, i have been daily driving it since i bought it with 15,000 in May. I put 17's on it, so the brakes are exposed. I use the parking brake on a daily basis. Both rear wheels are locked up. It happened a week ago, but released. I was driving in a rain storm the other night, and the next morning the brake wouldn't release.

 

Well it is still 15 or 16 years old even if it only has 18000 miles. I wouldn't be suprised if it's rusted up. The brakes are exposed to the elements regardless of what rims you have on the car.

 

Read the article briefly. Is unlikely that the calipers were the problem if indeed both were locked up at the same time and released the same. Would suspect one of two things. The main cable that goes from your lever inside to the cable splitter under the vehicle or the pads became rusted to the rotors and would not release the rotor. How sure are you that both wheels were locked up and not just one side?

 

Thanks for everyone's input, it turned out that it just needed some lube, kinda retarded that i didn't notice it, but thanks again for the suggestions.