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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ parking brake rusty

Posted by: jimkelly Jun 15 2005, 02:55 PM

user posted image

I bought the car with several known problems. One being a on working parking brake. The handle is there but the ratcheting mechanism did not seem to work. When I pulled the carpet out to survey for rust - (there is one hole - quarter sized - thru the floor that I saw immediately) I also noticed a decent sized chunk of metal that looked like it may have been part of the parking brake cable mechanism. Maybe it held the cable and some sort of angle. I took a peek underneath - I am squezzed in my one car garage right now due to excessive shelving which has got to go but the drivers side rear brake seems to be linked ok to the PB. The two PB cables in the cabin near the firewall seem to move but I don't know if they move al the way thru the cable sheathing. When I pull the PB handle up - all the way - the cable never gets pulled - as if it is too loose. Any ideas - comments. thanks.

Posted by: Jakester Jun 15 2005, 03:19 PM

I had the same problem. The brake handle mechanism was rusty and non-functional and, after further investigation, I found the brake cable(s) under the car were completely seized due to the rust and heat (improperly routed too close to the headers). Had to replace both sides. Still wish is worked better but it at least it stops the car when it's parked on slight inclines.

Your investigation will probably lead you to your rear calipers - mine did. They were (are) also rusty and less-than-perfect due to the same factors that affect the handle and cables.

Good luck. Patience, steel brushes, and lube will reward the cheap among us to revive the e-brake without going new parts. $$ is all it takes to refresh these with new parts (duh).

Posted by: jimkelly Jun 15 2005, 07:17 PM

Thanks for that info. You probably noticed my rusted off seat brackets too. Is the cable typically covered by some sort of metal plate? Jim

Posted by: Bleyseng Jun 15 2005, 08:05 PM

Call HPH as Rich has all the parts (some nos)

Posted by: jimkelly Jun 15 2005, 08:17 PM

Thank you - HPH - I am a newbie - does HPH have a url or phone number. I may have enough parts but need to figure out how this thing works. The two notched piece attached to the parking brake handle is released by pushing the button at the tip of the parking brake lever - my question is what pushed thos two notched piece downward onto the multi toothed piece - a spring or gravity?

I also felt around and can tell the the cable attachment is not connected to the caliper - I assume this may be the case on both sides. Hopefully my parts car has the connection clip or whatever it is that attached the cables to the calipers.

thank again jim

Posted by: jimkelly Jun 15 2005, 08:19 PM

another question - what is this wire (see pic) that runs along this area into the cross support - any idea? Jim

Posted by: mihai914 Jun 15 2005, 08:27 PM

QUOTE (jimkelly @ Jun 15 2005, 10:19 PM)
another question - what is this wire (see pic) that runs along this area into the cross support - any idea? Jim

That would be the ground wire running to the contact switch for the parking brake light. If the parking brake handle is up, that switch is grounded and you will have a big flashing red light on the first gauge in the dash. Considering the rust you have the switch may be corroded or even broken.

Posted by: Bleyseng Jun 15 2005, 08:37 PM

HPH # 18779144YOU

Posted by: rdauenhauer Jun 15 2005, 11:29 PM

Geoff you getting kick backs from Rich?

Posted by: Bleyseng Jun 16 2005, 07:12 AM

Sure!
Just like I get $15 everytime I recommend SteveS!

ya right! I just know that Rich B has those parts in stock cuz I bought them from him last year.

Posted by: Jakester Jun 16 2005, 12:43 PM

QUOTE (jimkelly @ Jun 15 2005, 06:17 PM)

I also felt around and can tell the the cable attachment is not connected to the caliper - I assume this may be the case on both sides. Hopefully my parts car has the connection clip or whatever it is that attached the cables to the calipers.

Yeah, you should pull your rear calipers. If the cable isn't even attached, it's likely your PB lever/spring mechanism in the caliper is also seized up. You may want to consider Eric Shea's rebuilds on the rears - I've torn them apart myself and they are tricky.

(No kickbacks here - just can't miss his sig plug at every post)
Here's his link - http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=23490

Posted by: 914fire Jun 16 2005, 12:50 PM

I just installed a set of Erics rear calipers and they are kick ass he does great work at a super price.

Posted by: jimkelly Jun 16 2005, 01:19 PM

I was gonna asked about this but held off but since you guys are mentioning it I guess I can ask without pissibng anyone off. Judging by the pics, Eric's work is top notch, but I found rebuilt calipers at www.advanceautoparts.com for $55 with pads. Is there something I am missing with the price difference other than personal service and a bit higher quality finished product? Jim

Posted by: morphenspectra Jun 16 2005, 01:23 PM

if you end up haveing problems with youre rear calipers.
i HIGHLY recomend eric's caliper rebuilds
james