E-Brake Cable

[SillyWabbit]

Has anyone ever replaced it? And if so, how hard is it? Mine is completely gone, almost, I guess. If I park on an incline, and set the brake, but don't leave the car in gear, or keep my foot on the clutch, I'll actually start rolling backward. And it won't stop until I put it in gear. It sucks. Any help is appreciated.

[watajob]

Not very complicated, but, a PITA, like exhaust work. Have your WD-40 delivered in bulk and a spare bottle of propane handy. Before you replace anything, though, try adjusting it. Nut on the end of the cable coming down from the handle in trans tunnel for that purpose. Probably rusted solid, so see advice above. If all else fails, they have little slack adjusters you can just hang off the cable to shorten them a bit. Can probably pick one up for just a few bucks. Hope this helps.

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'92 Formula 305 T.P.I. Auto.
'88 S-10 2.8 Auto.
'83 Sedan deVille 4.1 Auto.

[This message has been edited by watajob (edited 01-01-2001).]

[Jay87Z]

Like he said, probably just needs adjusted.

Mine didn't work at all till I adjusted it, now it works great.

[89_LT1_Formula]

I just replaced the front half of my cable today. As far as being rusted, It probably won't be that bad here in CA. The IL guy i'm sure knows about rust. That's where i bought my car 5 years ago and then it Sat at my folks place in PA for 3 years. I had to get out my Drimel tool to get my old one off. If you car ia a true Cali car then a little squirt of WD-40 will do the trick. The hardest part about replacing the cables is the stupid little round clips that hold them in place. Those things suck. But i would do what the rest said. Try adjusting it first.

[Go Fourth!]

Always make sure the adjustment on the rear brakes is set before making any attempt to adjust your ebrake cable. Usually, the rear brakes will be out of adjustment causing the problem. This comment does not apply to 4 wheel disc brake cars as the rear brakes get adjusted with the use of the ebrake on those models.

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Go Fourth!
Mark

[MP91RSCAMARO]

hey go fourth, when you adjust your rear brakes how long do they stay adjusted for ? when i adjust mine the brakes are mint for maybe a week and a half. i replaced the star adjusters cause they were worn and i still have the same problem. i was wondering if you had any info on this prob it is very annoying cause i know the car has the capability to stop mint but unless i adjust the brakes every week its all fronts brakes doing the job.

[Go Fourth!]

MP91RSCAMARO, the only thing that I could think of stopping you from having good adjustment on your brakes is that if they were installed improperly. Take a good look at your brakes, and compare them to a service manual. I have my Haynes 82-92 Firebird manual layed out in front of me right now, and the picture that would help you out is on page 213.

Going by a picture like this, you would want to check that your actuator link, actuator lever, pawl and lever return spring all are connected properly. Also, check to make sure that the star wheels you have are on the correct wheel so that your adjustment is indeed adjusting the brakes "up" instead of "down". While you are in there, make sure you have the correct shoe placement. (The shoe with the longest lining always is towards the rear of the vehicle.) I hope this helps you out, I rarely get any brake jobs by me nowadays so I might be a little rusty.

[MP91RSCAMARO]

HEY FOURTH THANKS FOR THE INFO. IVE DONE THE BRAKES ON THE CAR SINCE I HAD IT, AND TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE THEY ARE PUT TOGETHER PROPERLY. BUT THERES NO REASON WHY I CANT TAKE THE WHEELS OFF AND CHECK THEM OUT JUST TO MAKE SURE, YA NEVER KNOW. I HAVE A CHILTONS MANUAL SO IM SURE IT SHOWS A DIAGRAM JUST LIKE YOURS. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.