You pop the hood to check the oil and notice your parking brake cable is looking a little worse for wear. No big deal – a quick swap and you’ll be back on the road. But then the repair shop quotes you $300 for a new cable, labor and adjustments. What?! Forget that. With a little DIY know-how and a parking brake cable repair kit, you can knock this repair out yourself for under $50. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to save big bucks and get your parking brake working like new again. From picking the right kit to adjusting your brakes after the repair, we’ve got you covered. So grab your tools and let’s get cracking on breathing new life into your parking brake cable.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Parking Brake Cable
As your vehicle ages, parts naturally start to deteriorate and malfunction. One such part is the parking brake cable. When this cable starts acting up, you have two options: repair or replace. How do you know which is the right choice?
If your parking brake cable is frayed, rusted, or no longer retracting properly, it’s probably time for replacement. Replacing the cable isn’t too difficult for a DIYer and will save you money versus paying a shop to do the labor. New cables are also relatively inexpensive, around $20 to $50 depending on your vehicle make and model.
However, if your cable is still in decent shape but just needs some adjustment or lubrication, a repair may suffice. This could be as simple as tightening the cable to restore proper tension or applying a lubricant to help the cable glide freely. These quick fixes are very affordable and can extend the life of your existing cable.
Before deciding on repair vs. replacement, test your parking brake to determine the severity of the issue. If the brake is not engaging at all or is stuck in the on position, replacement is likely your best bet. But if it’s just not retracting fully or needs extra force to engage, a repair may work perfectly.
In the end, consider how long you plan to keep your vehicle and how much life is left in the current cable. If replacement seems imminent within the next year or so anyway, it may make more sense to just replace now to avoid doing the job twice. But if the cable still has plenty of miles left, a quick repair can be a great money-saving solution.
How to Install a Parking Brake Cable Repair Kit
So, your parking brake cable has seen better days and it’s time for a replacement. No need to pay a mechanic big bucks for this job—with a parking brake cable repair kit, you can do it yourself in a couple hours.
First, park on level ground and engage the parking brake. This will keep the vehicle stationary as you work. Locate the parking brake cable beneath the vehicle—it will run from the brake lever or pedal to the rear brakes.
Release cable tension
Loosen the adjuster nut on the brake lever/pedal mechanism and the cable end attached to the rear brakes. This releases tension from the cable, allowing removal.
Remove old cable
Unclip or unbolt the cable from any retaining clips along its path. At the front, disconnect the cable end from the brake lever/pedal. At the rear, unbolt the cable end from the brake mechanism. Gently pull the cable out from under the vehicle.
Install new cable
Feed the new cable along the same path as the old one. Connect the new cable to the brake lever/pedal at the front and bolt it to the rear brake mechanism. Engage any cable retaining clips.
Adjust and test
Tighten the adjuster nuts to take up cable slack, then test the parking brake to ensure proper tension and operation. Repeat adjustments as needed.
With a few basic tools and patience, you’ve saved money by completing your own parking brake cable replacement. Reward yourself—you deserve it! Keep up the good work, mechanically inclined money saver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parking Brake Cable Repair Kits
How difficult is it to install a parking brake cable repair kit?
Installing a parking brake cable repair kit yourself isn’t too tricky if you have some basic mechanical skills and the right tools. The cables typically just slide into place and secure with clips or bolts. However, working under a vehicle can be awkward, so go slowly and be careful. If you’ve never done brake work before, you may want to have a mechanic inspect your work to ensure it’s done properly for safety.
Do I need any special tools to install the kit?
The tools you’ll need include:
- Socket wrench and sockets
- Allen wrenches or hex keys
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
- Brake lubricant
You may also want protective gloves, eye wear, and something to lie on while under the vehicle. Some kits provide specialty tools for releasing the cable tensioners.
How long does it take to install a parking brake cable?
For a DIYer, installing a parking brake cable kit will typically take between 1 to 3 hours per axle, depending on your skill level and the specific vehicle. Mechanics who do this repair frequently can often complete it in under an hour. The actual cable replacement only takes about 15-30 minutes per cable. The rest of the time involves jacking up the vehicle, removing wheels, and accessing the brake assembly.
Is it safe to drive without a parking brake?
No, it is not safe to drive without a properly functioning parking brake. The parking brake, also known as the emergency brake, is designed to keep your vehicle stationary when parked. It provides an important backup to your regular brakes. Driving without it means you have no way to stop the vehicle if your primary brakes fail. It is best to have a faulty parking brake cable repaired or replaced as soon as possible for your safety.
Conclusion
So that’s it! With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you can save some serious cash by replacing your parking brake cable yourself. Just take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to double check your work. You’ll gain a new sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency knowing you did the job with your own two hands. And every time you pull that parking brake lever, you’ll get to enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Who knows, maybe you’ll even get the DIY bug and start knocking out more repairs and upgrades. Either way, tackling small projects like this is a great way to build your confidence and learn useful skills. Alright, time to get out there and get your hands dirty – your bank account will thank you later!
