E Brake cable pinched?

[Rahmein]

My emergency brake is not working at all. The pedal I push down while siting in the driver seat to engage it works fine but the e brake is not clamping down or something. This is what the cable looks like behind the left rear tire. This cable IS for the e brake, right? If so, I'm hoping this is the only problem and shouldn't cost me too much to replace. If this cable indeed does need to be replaced, how far towards the motor does it disconnect? My guess is in picture #4. Any specific tools I'll need? Please let me know if I'm heading in the right direction!

 

[IZwack]

Yup, you got it. Get a few pliers and screwdrivers around because there are little clips and such that are a pain to remove.

 

[Rahmein]

Alright, cool. Thanks izwack. But I was kinda thinking about something.... if the e brake connects to both rear tires, but only one side is pinched, wouldn't you think that the setting the e brake would do SOMETHING? Is there a possibility that this pinch in the cable could have effected anything other part of the e brake mechanism? Also, do I have to release any sort of tension and worry about anything flying up and hitting me in the face (lol), or is this pretty cut and dry?

 

[JDraper]

Have you looked at the E-Brake shoes? They are notorious for falling apart and would also cause your symptoms.

 

[96eb96]

Alright, cool. Thanks izwack. But I was kinda thinking about something.... if the e brake connects to both rear tires, but only one side is pinched, wouldn't you think that the setting the e brake would do SOMETHING? Is there a possibility that this pinch in the cable could have effected anything other part of the e brake mechanism? Also, do I have to release any sort of tension and worry about anything flying up and hitting me in the face (lol), or is this pretty cut and dry?

I had lots of fun with the ebrake system. You must relieve tension on the cables by pulling down on the intermediate cable and sticking a drill bit in the foot pedal mechanism. Look for an oval hole. The cables are under tension from the mechanism. Check your passenger side cable too near the leaf spring. Mine corroded in that area.

There is a good possibility your ebrake mechanisms are internally corroded and the shoes worn from the stuck cable. That will cause the "nothing" you are taking about You can search the board for threads that can help you with that. You will have to clean everything down and replace hardware and shoes for it to function.

The connector in the last picture is a major pita to seperate if its corroded. I had luck taking the cable out of the sleeve on the wheel backing plate. This will put the cable in a better position for removal. It is frustrating to get those fingers to release the cable thru the fitting..

 

[IZwack]

Easiest way to relieve tension is to disconnect the "clevis" off of the hook at the back of each wheel. You just use a box ended wrench (3/4" works) and stick it against one of the top bolts that holds the backing plate onto the axle housing. Then take a screw driver and use the wrench as a fulcrum to lever the clevis free.

 

[96eb96]

Also, www.autozone.com has a free service manual that covers this topic pretty well.
Repair info -> Vehicle Repair guides-> pick your truck...

 

[Rahmein]

Ok, great. Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm going to get to work on this thing today. First I'm checking the e brake shoe, making sure nothings worn. I'm also going to check for the internal corrosion. Reading all the replies makes me think that it may be something more than just a pinched cable. Also, I showed the pictures to someone who works at my auto part store and he said that the cable I would want to replace is called the Intermediate Cable. He also said that I would only be able to get this through a dealer?????

 

[96eb96]

Ok, great. Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm going to get to work on this thing today. First I'm checking the e brake shoe, making sure nothings worn. I'm also going to check for the internal corrosion. Reading all the replies makes me think that it may be something more than just a pinched cable. Also, I showed the pictures to someone who works at my auto part store and he said that the cable I would want to replace is called the Intermediate Cable. He also said that I would only be able to get this through a dealer?????

The intermediate cable is very unlikely to fail. That is simply an unsheathed piece of plastic covered cable. It is on the left in your last photo.

What you need is the drivers side (left) ebrake cable. It is under $30 at a dealer. You can call a dealer to see if its in stock. You will unhook that clip in the circle, along with that cone shaped retaining clip holding the right rear cable.

The new cable from the dealer will have the large cone shaped clip, so don't bother taking it off the cable neck.

When you reassemble the ebrake, coat all contact metal surfaces with a synthetic brake grease (comes in little packets at pep boys).

 

[Rahmein]

The intermediate cable is very unlikely to fail. That is simply an unsheathed piece of plastic covered cable. It is on the left in your last photo.

What you need is the drivers side (left) ebrake cable. It is under $30 at a dealer. You can call a dealer to see if its in stock. You will unhook that clip in the circle, along with that cone shaped retaining clip holding the right rear cable.

The new cable from the dealer will have the large cone shaped clip, so don't bother taking it off the cable neck.

When you reassemble the ebrake, coat all contact metal surfaces with a synthetic brake grease (comes in little packets at pep boys).

So when I go to the dealer, if its not the Intermediate Cable, then what do I need to ask for?

 

[96eb96]

So when I go to the dealer, if its not the Intermediate Cable, then what do I need to ask for?

Drivers side rear ebrake cable.

 

[Rahmein]

Drivers side rear ebrake cable.

Thanks 96eb96. I'll get the part first before I start taking everything apart. Doesn't seem like it's going to be too hard.