Print Page - Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)

TAC Tech => Tires, Brakes & Suspension => Topic started by: EscapeRacing on March 25, 2021, 10:54:44 AM

Title: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: EscapeRacing on March 25, 2021, 10:54:44 AM: I am finishing up that rear end build and swap in my 79 Trans Am that I had posted prior to the old threads being erased and all is generally going well, but ran into an issue last night so reaching out for some help.

I am installing new parking brake cables (just the ones that go from the drums to the front cable) and all the part numbers seem to indicate they are the same length for both sides. However, i cant seem to see how that works because the one from the passenger side has to travel much further to the equalizer than the one from the driver side.

If anyone can 1) confirm they are unequal lengths, 2) shoot me over any part numbers for the cables, or 3) happen to know the measurements, I would sure be appreciative.

If they are identical for both sides, then something has been modified on mine and I have to go back to the drawing board because I cannot get the passenger side to reach the equalizer...
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: highway star on March 25, 2021, 12:19:49 PM: Replaced mine last yr on '78 drums, I will look at the receipts tonight. Think I got em from Inline Tube. Will investigate & get back.
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: EscapeRacing on March 25, 2021, 12:24:15 PM: huge thanks
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: highway star on March 25, 2021, 08:33:38 PM: https://i.imgur.com/0ttQaDV.jpg
I found this: also, ebrake pedal is fully up during install, eh.
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: jonathonar89 on March 25, 2021, 09:34:37 PM: I just ordered WS6 ('79-'81 Rear Disc) brake cables from Second Gen Graveyard last week. He supplied me cables (stainless version) from Inline Tube.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51072317986_2b200286c6_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kP5YNE)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/2kP5YNE) by Jonathon Randolph (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156619454@N04/), on Flickr

Hope this helps,

Jon
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: EscapeRacing on March 26, 2021, 09:43:31 AM: Thanks, this is really interesting. The disc brake rear ends pretty clearly show unequal length rear cables, but the drum brake rearends seem to call for equal length. I have drum brakes and just cannot make equal length work so will try using the disc brake rear passenger side longer cable.

Thanks again for helping me out - i miss all the historical posts but sure glad we have this back.
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: Wallington on March 26, 2021, 12:27:56 PM: They operate differently, rear drum cables are both facing forward. Rear disc are one forward, one backwards with the calipers, like shocks.
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: EscapeRacing on March 27, 2021, 07:40:58 PM: Okay, I have to apologize for creating this thread. This was 100% user error on my part and I feel pretty dumb about it.

The parking brake was engaged when I tried to install the new rear parking brake cables. I disengaged the parking brake (in the car) and the two fit right together.

(https://i.imgur.com/fw1RKxe.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CHCiBh3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1xDJYJK.jpg)
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: Nexus on March 29, 2021, 06:46:42 PM: Think nothing of it, If you made those errors, guaranteed so did someone else so this will help others save some time and be mindful when doing it themselves...like me!!!
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: Wallington on March 29, 2021, 08:39:22 PM: Think I've done the same, at least climb under there and start backing off the slack adjuster before realising. And yet, last thing I probably did before sliding under the car was check chocks and tighten park brake more.
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: firebirdparts on March 30, 2021, 09:15:36 AM: That looks good. Where did you buy them? What brand?
Title: Re: Parking Brake Cables for Rear Drums (unequal length?)
Post by: EscapeRacing on March 30, 2021, 08:26:59 PM: Quote from: firebirdparts on March 30, 2021, 09:15:36 AM
That looks good. Where did you buy them? What brand?

These are just from the local auto parts store - O'Reilly. They are BrakeBest Brake Cable Part Number BC92680 and they were $18 each.