Emergency Brakes, Parking Brake Cables & Kits

Depending on the year, make, and model, removing the emergency brakes will require different steps. However, most emergency brake setups are similar. Removal involves unbolting the hand or foot brake lever for the parking/emergency brake from the vehicle interior and the cable attached to it. Next, remove the cable mounts from front to back along the body or chassis as well as the cable. At the rear brakes, remove the cable connection to either the drum parking lever (drum brakes) or caliper (disc brakes). Any holes in the firewall or floor from the brake lever or at the brakes (Such as the backing plate) should be plugged to keep weather and debris from entering.

Depending on the brake system type, the adjustment of the emergency / parking brakes will change. For drum brake setups, initial adjustment is completed with moving the brake adjuster "star wheel" until the brake shoes are expanded just enough to make contact with the brake drums. Final adjustment is done when putting the vehicle in reverse and braking which automatically adjusts the brake self-adjuster. This also applies to disc brake setups with parking brake shoes inside the rotors. For calipers with parking brake adjustment, the lever needs to be adjusted so that it is closed to the backstop (specific to the caliper) for proper operation.

To fix the emergency brakes, the first step is to determine what is in need of either replacement or adjustment. Confirm the parking brake lever or foot pedal is functioning correctly. Next, confirm the brake cable is moving without binding or stretching as well as the condition of the outer sheathing. Finally, confirm that the parking brake cable is connected properly to the rear brake drum or caliper lever and that the brakes are adjusted properly. Replace or adjust as necessary.

Depending on the year, make, and model (or universal brakes and components for custom applications), the attachment type will vary. Many attachments involve a clevis end or ball on the end of the cable, which slips into place over a mounting point.

Replacing most emergency / parking brake cables involves disconnecting both ends from the parking brake hand or foot lever as well as the drum brake or caliper actuating lever. Then remove all mounting attachments to release the old cable from either the body or chassis. The new cable is installed in the reverse order while being mindful of moving or hot parts that could make contact with the brake cable. JEGS offers parking brake cables and aftermarket brake kits online.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the performance brake kit or aftermarket emergency brake kit that you require for your specific car or truck application.