Written By: Don Dodi
Fact Checked By: Kristen Brown
Reviewed By: Diego Rosenberg
The Parking Brake: which is also known as the Handbrake or Emergency Brake, that actually keep your car safe in place whenever you stop it, which is specially important to keep your vehicle steady on steep roads.
Even, it is really important as a backup in case the main hydraulic brakes fail.
And, the metallic cable that actually connects the lever inside the car to the rear brakes can get stretched, rusted or it can break due to the exposure to the road conditions and simply by regular use, in this way the effectiveness of it gets reduced and that can be dangerous for your safety.
So, this is the guide that covers everything about How to Replace Parking Brake Cable, so that you can ensure that your parking brake functions reliably again, that helps to prevent accidents & protects your vehicle as well.
Tools
| Tool / Material | Purpose | Tips for Use |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Set | For removing bolts and nuts on brake components and cable mounts. | Use the correct size bolts to prevent breakage. |
| Screwdrivers | For removing screws and clips or covers. | Keep a small flathead handy for stubborn clips. |
| Pliers | To pull out or hold cable ends, clips and pins. | Needle-nose pliers help in tight spaces. |
| Jack | To safely raise the vehicle off the ground. | Always lift from the recommended jack points. |
| Jack Stands | To hold the vehicle securely while working underneath. | Never rely solely on the jack for support. |
| Replacement Parking Brake Cable | To replace a worn or broken parking brake cable. | Compare to the old cable to ensure the correct length. |
| Penetrating Oil | To loosen rusted or stuck bolts and nuts. | Plug it in and wait a few minutes before removing the hardware. |
| Gloves | To protect hands from sharp edges, dirt and grease. | Leather or thick cloth gloves are best. |
| Eye Protection | To protect the eyes from dirt, debris, or fluids. | Always wear a mask when working under a car. |
How to Do Preparation To Replace Parking Brake Cable
1. Park on Level Ground and Install Wheel Chocks
Before beginning any work on your parking brake cable, it’s important to park your vehicle on a flat and stable surface.
This prevents the car from rolling while working underneath.
Wheel chocks, which are small wedges placed on the tires, provide an additional layer of safety.
Chocks help keep the vehicle firmly in place, reducing the risk of accidents when lifting or removing the wheels.
2. Disconnect the Battery – Optional but Recommended
Although not always necessary, disconnecting the car’s battery is a recommended safety step.
This prevents accidental activation of electrical equipment and reduces the risk of short circuits when working near the vehicle’s underbody.
To do this safely, always disconnect the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable and ensure the terminals are away from any metal surfaces.
3. Raise the Vehicle Safely
To access the parking brake cable, you’ll need to raise the vehicle.
Use a reliable hydraulic jack or scissor jack to lower it to the manufacturer’s recommended lifting point.
After raising the car, secure it with sturdy jack stands on both sides.
Do not rely solely on the jack to raise the car, as it could break and cause serious injury.
It is extremely important to ensure stability when working under the car.
4. Locate the Parking Brake Cable Routing
Before removing the old cable, it is important to understand its route inside the car, from the parking brake lever to the rear brakes.
Most vehicles have front, middle and rear cable routing that runs through the underbody.
Identifying this route can prevent damage to other components during cable removal and make installing the new cable easy and precise.
Check for clips, brackets and guides along the route, as these secure the cable and maintain proper tension for safe braking operation.
How to Access the Parking Brake Cable
1. Remove the Rear Wheels
The first step to accessing the parking brake cable is to remove the rear wheels.
This is necessary because the cable connects directly to the rear brakes and the wheels block access to the brake assembly.
After safely raising the vehicle and securing it with jack stands, loosen and remove the lug nuts using a socket set or lug wrench.
Carefully pull the wheels off and place them in a safe place.
Removing the wheels provides clear visibility and enough space to work on the brake system without obstruction.
2. Remove the Brake Drums or Calipers – Depending on the System
Next, you’ll need to remove the rear brake drums or calipers, depending on the type of braking system your vehicle uses.
Many cars have rear drum brakes, while others have disc brakes with calipers.
For drum brakes, gently pry the drum out; if it’s stuck due to rust or brake dust, it may require a little tapping.
For disc brakes, carefully open the caliper using a socket set and support it with a wire or hook to avoid pressure on the brake line.
Removing these parts exposes the parking brake cable’s connection points, allowing for inspection and removal.
3. Unlock the Cable Connection Points
After removing the brakes, you’ll see where the parking brake cable connects to the brake mechanism.
This cable is usually connected to a lever or small arm that engages the brake shoes or pads when the parking brake is applied.
Be sure to clearly identify these points before attempting to disconnect anything.
Understanding the exact connections helps prevent damage to the brake system and ensures correct installation of the new cable.
4. Inspect the Cable Guides, Clips and Brackets
With the brake assembly open, carefully examine all cable guides, clips and brackets that hold the parking brake cable in place.
These parts are essential as they secure the cable and maintain the correct tension for proper braking.
Look for any signs of rust, wear, or damage.
Replacing or properly reinstalling these supports during cable replacement will ensure that the new cable will last a long time and the parking brake will operate reliably.
How to Disconnect the Old Cable
1. Release the Tension from the Parking Brake Lever
Before removing the old parking brake cable, it’s important to release all tension from the parking brake lever inside the car.
This lever maintains a strong pull on the cable to activate the rear brakes and attempting to remove it without first removing it could cause damage or injury.
Pull the lever up slightly and locate the adjuster nut or mechanism that controls the cable tension.
Carefully turn or loosen it until the lever moves freely and the cable is loose.
This ensures safe removal and prevents unnecessary stress on other brake components.
2. Disconnect the Cable from the Lever/Equalizer
After disconnecting the cable, the next step is to disconnect the cable from the parking brake lever or equalizer.
The equalizer is a small metal piece that distributes tension evenly across both rear brake cables.
Carefully disconnect the cable by unhooking it or sliding it out of the attachment point.
Pay attention to the direction and method of connection, as this will help when installing the new cable and ensure proper alignment for smooth parking brake operation.
3. Remove Clips or Retainers from the Underbody
The parking brake cable is attached to the vehicle’s underbody by clips, brackets, or retainers.
These small components hold the cable in place and prevent it from rubbing against chassis or suspension components.
Using pliers or a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove any clips or retainers that are in the way of the cable.
Keep these components organized, as some can be reused for the new cable.
Paying attention to cable routing can prevent interference with other systems and ensure the new cable functions properly.
4. Remove Cable Ends from the Rear Brake Assembly
When removing the underbody clips, pay attention to the rear brake ends of the cable.
The cable is usually attached to a lever mounted on the brake shoes or pads.
Disconnect the cable by sliding it out of the connector or separating it from the lever.
Inspect the attachment points for wear or corrosion.
Knowing how the cable was connected helps with installing the new cable and ensures it works smoothly without any snags or looseness.
5. Carefully Remove the Entire Old Cable
After all connections are disconnected, carefully pull the old parking brake cable out from under the vehicle.
Proceed slowly, paying attention to any remaining clips, guides, or sharp edges that could snag the cable.
Completely removing the old cable clears the path for installing the new cable and allows you to inspect the underbody and brake components for additional wear or damage.
Performing this step carefully can prevent accidental scratches, damage, or injuries and lay the foundation for a successful replacement.
How to Install the New Parking Brake Cable
1. Compare the Old and New Cables for Length and Fitting
Before installing the new parking brake cable, it’s important to carefully compare it to the old cable.
Ensure that the length, size and connectors match exactly.
Using a cable that’s too short, too long, or the wrong size can create unnecessary stress, reduce braking efficiency, or damage the cable over time.
Checking this beforehand ensures that the new cable will fit correctly and operate securely according to the original routing.
2. Install the New Cable According to the Original Routing
Once confirmed, begin installing the new cable using the same routing as the old cable.
Carefully install the underbody guides, brackets and clips.
Correct routing prevents the cable from rubbing against suspension parts, chassis, or exhaust components, which can cause wear, corrosion, or damage.
Take the time to route the cable smoothly along its routing so that it operates without interruption.
3. Connect the Cable to the Rear Brake Assembly
After routing, connect the ends of the cable to the rear brake assembly.
Depending on your vehicle type, slide or hook the cable into the levers or connectors on the brake shoes or calipers.
Ensure the connections are firm, but not too tight.
Proper installation ensures proper engagement and disengagement of the parking brake, providing reliable braking when needed.
4. Connect the Cable to the Lever/Equalizer
Next, connect the other end of the cable to the parking brake lever or equalizer inside the car.
The equalizer balances the tension between the two rear brakes, ensuring even operation of the parking brake.
Ensure the cable is in the correct direction to maintain the correct tension and speed.
This step is crucial for smooth and effective operation of the parking brake lever.
5. Install All Clips, Guides and Retainers
Finally, install all clips, guides and brackets along the cable’s path.
These components hold the cable in place, preventing it from sagging, rubbing, or catching on other vehicle parts.
Double-check each clip and bracket to ensure the cable is securely in place.
Correct installation of these supports guarantees the cable’s longevity and the continued performance of the parking brake system.
How to Adjust the Parking Brake
1. Retighten the Adjuster Nut
After installing the new parking brake cable, it’s important to re-establish the correct tension using the adjuster nut.
The adjuster nut is usually located inside the vehicle, near the parking brake lever, or underneath the car, along the cable.
Carefully tighten the cable by turning the nut, ensuring it’s neither too loose nor too tight.
Proper tension helps the brakes hold the vehicle firmly in place without putting pressure on the rear wheels.
This step is crucial for maintaining reliable parking brake performance and safe vehicle operation.
2. Check Lever Travel – Usually 5-8 Clicks
Once the tension is set, check the tension by operating the parking brake lever.
Most vehicles are designed so that the lever moves approximately five to eight clicks before the rear brakes fully engage.
Counting the clicks provides a practical measure of correct tension.
If the lever moves too far with too few clicks, the cable may be too loose and if it moves too little, it may be too tight, which can cause brake drag or premature wear of brake components.
3. Ensure the Rear Wheels Are Locked at the Proper Tension
After adjusting the lever, it’s important to check that the rear wheels are securely locked when the parking brake is engaged.
To safely check this, lift the vehicle slightly or tilt it slightly.
The wheels should not rotate when the brake is fully applied, but there should be no resistance when the brake is released.
This confirms that the tension is correctly balanced and the parking brake can hold the vehicle securely in place.
4. Readjust If Necessary
If the lever travel or rear wheel lock is not correct, make small adjustments to the adjuster nut until the parking brake works properly.
Recheck the clicks and wheel lock after each adjustment.
Taking the time to fine-tune the tension ensures optimum performance, protects the cable from damage and improves safety.
Proper adjustment increases the life of both the parking brake cable and brake components, as well as provides reliable stopping power when the vehicle is parked.
How to Reassemble Everything
1. Reinstall the Brake Drums or Calipers
After installing and adjusting the new parking brake cable, the first step in reassembly is to reinstall the brake drums or calipers.
For drum brakes, carefully slide the drum onto the brake shoes, ensuring it fits snugly and rotates smoothly without rubbing.
For disc brakes, place the caliper over the brake pads and rotor, then secure it with the appropriate bolts, tightening them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque.
Proper reinstallation ensures the braking system functions correctly and prevents unnecessary wear or damage to brake components.
2. Reinstall the Rear Wheels
Once the brakes are back in place, reinstall the rear wheels.
Align the wheel with the hub, slide it onto the bolts and hand-tighten the lug nuts to hold them in place.
Lower the car slightly so the wheels are touching the ground.
Use a lug wrench or torque wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
This maintains even pressure, prevents the wheel or hub from twisting and keeps the wheels secure while driving.
3. Lower the Vehicle Safely
Finally, safely lower the vehicle from jack stands using a jack.
Before lowering the car completely, make sure all tools and equipment are removed.
Once on the ground, double-check that the car is stable and the wheels are properly tightened.
Lowering the vehicle carefully ensures personal safety and prevents damage to the car, allowing the reassembly process to be completed after replacing the parking brake cable.
Read More:
How to Test the Parking Brake
1. Testing Lever Operation
After reassembly, the first step in testing the parking brake is to operate the lever inside the car.
Gently pull the lever up and then release it so that it operates smoothly without any interruption or resistance.
The lever should feel firm and return correctly to its set position.
Correct operation of the lever indicates that the cables and connections are correctly installed and the tension is properly adjusted.
2. Perform the Brake Hold Test at Low Speeds
Next, perform the brake hold test at low speeds to verify that the parking brake is effectively securing the vehicle.
Park the car on a gentle slope or flat surface, fully engage the parking brake and slowly attempt to drive.
The car should remain stationary without swaying, indicating that the rear brakes are properly engaged.
This test is crucial for safety and confirms that the parking brake can be relied upon in daily use.
3. Check for Uneven Braking or Drag
When testing, see if the rear wheels are engaging evenly.
Uneven braking could mean the cable isn’t properly adjusted or one side of the brake assembly is stuck.
Similarly, check for any drag when the brakes aren’t fully released.
Both conditions can cause premature wear on brake components and reduce the parking brake’s functionality, so adjustments may be necessary if these problems are identified.
4. Inspect Underneath the Car for Proper Routing and Security
Finally, inspect the cables under the vehicle to ensure they are properly routed and secured with all clips, brackets and guides.
Loosely routed cables can rub against the chassis or suspension, causing wear or damage over time.
Proper routing and secure attachment ensure cable longevity and the continued performance of the parking brake, ensuring the vehicle remains securely in place while parked.
The Final Tips and Maintenance
It is true that you need to test your parking brake whenever you replaces a cable, so that you can actually confirm that your parking brake can hold the car under the specific conditions or what: so just check the lever travel, confirm wheel hold on a mild slope and also ensure there is no binding as well so that you can have the intended safety performance.[¹]
1. Lubricate Moving Connection Points
To keep the parking brake cable running smoothly, it’s important to lubricate all moving connection points.
This includes the lever, equalizer and all pivot points of the rear brake.
Using a light lubricant, such as silicone spray or regular grease, reduces friction and prevents the cable from sticking.
Regular lubrication also prevents metal parts from rusting, ensuring the parking brake works reliably for a longer period of time.
2. Inspect the Parking Brake Cable Every 12 Months
Regular inspection of the parking brake cable is essential for long-term safety and performance.
At least once a year, inspect the entire length of the cable for wear, corrosion, or fraying.
Inspect the clips, brackets and guides to ensure they remain secure and intact.
Annual inspections help you detect problems early, prevent sudden cable failure and maintain consistent braking performance.
3. Remove signs of rust, stretch, or stiffness as soon as possible
If the parking brake cable shows any signs of rust, stretch, or stiffness, have it repaired immediately.
Corrosion can weaken the cable, stretch can reduce tension and braking ability and stiffness can cause brake jams or wear.
Replacing worn cables or repairing these problems promptly can prevent serious brake problems, increase vehicle safety and ensure the parking brake continues to function effectively when needed.
Conclusion – How to Replace Parking Brake Cable
It is your duty to safeguard your journey by ensuring your parking brake works perfectly, as it is not just the matter of convenience but it is really critical safety step that literally to protects both you and your vehicle every time it is parked.
Basically, A properly functioning parking brake is essential for vehicle safety, preventing accidental rollovers on slopes and ensuring efficient braking.
By following each step—preparing the vehicle, safely accessing the cable, removing the old cable, installing the new cable and adjusting the tension—you can restore the parking brake to full performance.
Regular maintenance, including lubrication, checking for corrosion or wear and timely adjustment, ensures the new cable will continue to function reliably for years to come.
Understanding cable routing, securing all clips and brackets and thoroughly testing the system ensures smooth, safe and reliable operation every time the parking brake is used.
Now, you can ask questions or unsolved queries that bothers you, in the comment section of this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a parking brake cable and why is it important?
Answer: The parking brake cable is a metal cable that connects the parking brake lever inside your car to the brake mechanisms on the rear wheels. When you pull the lever, the cable tightens and applies the rear brakes, keeping the vehicle stationary. It’s important because it prevents your car from rolling when parked, specially on slopes and provides a backup braking system in the event of hydraulic brake failure. A worn or broken cable can cause the parking brake to fail, posing a safety risk.
Q2. How do I know if my parking brake cable needs replacing?
Answer: Common signs that the parking brake cable needs replacing include the parking brake lever sagging or wiggling excessively, the rear brakes not gripping the car properly, the brake warning light appearing on the dashboard, or unusual noises when braking. Sometimes, the cable can become rusted, stretched, or partially broken, reducing its effectiveness. Checking the cable underneath the car for rust, wear, or damage may also indicate the need for replacement.
Q3. What tools and materials are needed to replace the parking brake cable?
Answer: To replace the parking brake cable, you’ll need basic tools like a socket set, screwdriver and pliers. You’ll also need a jack and jack stands to safely raise the vehicle, the correct replacement parking brake cable for your car model, penetrating oil to loosen rusted bolts and safety equipment like gloves and eye protection. Having all the tools ready before starting work makes the process easier and safer.
Q4. What is the first step to replacing the parking brake cable?
Answer: The first step is to safely prepare your vehicle. Park on level ground, install wheel chocks to prevent rolling and disconnect the battery for safety. Then, jack up the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Trace the path of the parking brake cable from the lever to the rear brakes so you know where it connects and where the clips or brackets are located. This preparation ensures safe and orderly work.
Q5. How do I access the parking brake cable?
Answer: To access the cable, first remove the rear wheels. Then, depending on your vehicle’s brake system, remove the brake drums or calipers to locate the cable’s connection points. Check for clips, guides, or brackets holding the cable in place on the underbody. Inspecting these components will help you understand how the old cable is connected and make it easier to remove.
Q6. How to disconnect the old parking brake cable?
Answer: To disconnect the old cable, it’s necessary to release tension on the parking brake lever, disconnect the cable from the lever or equalizer and remove the clips or retainers on the underbody. The cable ends must also be disconnected from the rear brake assembly. Carefully remove the cable from the vehicle, taking care not to damage surrounding parts. Seeing how the old cable was installed and connected will help with installing the new cable.
References:
[1] FMVSS 135, Light Vehicle Brake Systems
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/tp-135-01.pdf
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