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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Brakes and Braking Systems => Topic started by: nativetexan on December 02, 2008, 10:42:49 am

Title: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: nativetexan on December 02, 2008, 10:42:49 am
I am looking to replace rear section of the parking brake cable on the driver side. While I was inspecting the connection at the drum I realized it is not connected to the shoes. I guess it broke because it is missing the connector at the end of the cable. Anyway, I figured I would be okay just replacing the rear cable. So I got the cable out of the drum side. My question though is where and how do I disconnect the other end of that cable?
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: Leevon on December 02, 2008, 11:54:01 am
If I recall correctly, these are a loop design which connects to both drum shoes.  It should loop around a semi-circular adjusment bracket on the driver side under the bed and then over to the other shoe.  You can remove it from the adjustment bracket easily, remove the other end from the passenger side brake, then replace.  Make sure it is attached to the bracket and routed correctly before hooking into the brakes though!   
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: nativetexan on December 02, 2008, 01:00:08 pm
Okay here is the pic from the catalog...

(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/1809/0155tj7.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/0155tj7.jpg/1/w320.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img511/0155tj7.jpg/1/)

Where would I disconnect it at?

Also here is the end of my cable at the brake.

(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4700/img00118tt1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/img00118tt1.jpg/1/w528.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img205/img00118tt1.jpg/1/)

It needs to be replaced right??
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: ccz145a on December 02, 2008, 01:17:23 pm
Looks intact to me. Have you removed the lever and shoes from the backing plate? In the following diagram, the swaged end in your pic connects to lever "U". It looks like the end is there in the pic.

(http://www.careersnet.org/automotive/PHS/Photos/Engines/engine%20Photos/Drum%20Brakes%20TEST.gif)
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: nativetexan on December 03, 2008, 12:52:03 pm
Well crap
... That means I have no Idea to get that cable onto the lever. ??? I cant seem to find a diagram that shoes the relationship of that cable to the lever. I know I can look on the other side, but I am trying to avoid taking that one apart til I get this one back together for referance purposes. :-\
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: ccz145a on December 03, 2008, 01:18:16 pm
compress the spring that covers the cable to see clearly the swaged end. The cable snakes through the opening on the lever and the cable end keeps it from pulling out. the spring then keeps it all in tension.

Might want to take the drum off the other side. You won't have to disassemble the other side to compare.
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: nativetexan on December 03, 2008, 03:45:11 pm
Cool. I will fiddle with it some tonight. Thanks for the info/advice.
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: nativetexan on December 09, 2008, 07:46:46 am
Okay. I decided to replace the cable. After messing with it a little more I realized that the cable is seized and isnt moving inside the casing. This is probably why it wasn't connected when I opened the drum. Maybe someone disconnected it cause it was causing problems. I got one on order from the parts store. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again! ;D
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: nativetexan on December 23, 2008, 01:20:06 pm
All right, I forgot to post back, but just wanted to say thanks for the help and advise. I replaced the cable and did a rebuild on both sides. Including replacing both wheel cylinders. It was a lot easier than I thought. you guys sure helped. Thanks again.
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: ccz145a on December 23, 2008, 04:02:08 pm
Happy to share.
Title: Re: My 87 needs a new parking brake cable
Post by: mechanic58 on December 10, 2009, 06:54:24 pm
LMFAO!