Is this my problem?

[Datsun-Fever]

Hey guys, my 280z was sitting in a field for more than 3 years, and when i tryed to take it out for a drive, it felt like the brakes where starting to slow it down, untill it couldent go any farther. Also, the E-brake light never goes off, so do you guys think that my ebrake cable could be stuck?

[Ed]

After sitting for three year you could have several problems. Brakes sticking, master cylinder sticking, or e-brake cable. You will have to give her a "physical" start by removing the rear drums and inspect the cable, cylinder and the shoes. Once the rears are working good move on to the front. Remove the calipers and see if you can manually push the piston back into the caliper. Sometimes these will rust and get stuck to the caliper. If you plan on driving it for a while you should rebuild or get some new calipers. It's good stopping insurance. Bleed your brakes with some fresh DOT 4.

[sblake01]

Originally posted by Datsun-Fever

Also, the E-brake light never goes off

That light also indicates low brake fluid or a problem with the caps that monitor the brake fluid level. Like Ed said, you'll need to go through the entire brake system. I had to do that on my 78 when I bought it. It had been sitting for over four years. The rear shoes were stuck to the drum, the pistons in the calipers were rusted, the wheel cylinders leaked, etc. It's just a good idea to go through the whole system.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by sblake01

It's just a good idea to go through the whole system.

I'll go a bit further in my comments.

If you expect your car to stop when you want it to stop, it is mandatory to go through the entire brake system an verify that EVERYTHING is in 100% working order.

Nothing ruins a brake system like sitting unused in a field for 3 or 4 years.

Moisture collects in the brake fluid

Rubber rots

Metal rusts

It's the kiss of death.

It's your life, your car, and maybe someone else's life that you'll be protecting.

[seerex]

personally i would tear it all down and test and clean before taking for another spin brakes that is