Why doesn't my right ebrake work?, It's the asymmetric cables, dummy. Options

[davesprinkle]

Here's why most modern cars have the ebrake handle in the middle of the car -- it's so the cables running to the wheels have identical length and path. How do I know? Here's the anecdote:
For the last year, I've been struggling with my ebrake system. The right caliper just wouldn't clamp as tightly as the left. I've got rebuilt calipers, new pads, new cables, proper clearance, but no worky.

Finally found out why. It's the internal drag of the actuation cables. The passenger-side cable is substantially longer than the driver side. Also, the right-side cable has 3 right-angle bends vs the left-side cable with none. This results in so much internal friction that the cable just binds solid when it's pulled.

I was able to improve the situation somewhat by lubricating the cable. Still not perfect, but much better.

[PRS914-6]

It cracks me up when people get on a forum and ask for help and then get pissy with those that are trying to help them.

I'm not saying that there is not more friction in a longer cable because of course there is. I'm saying that if you have two quality new cables in this application not working there is something wrong. Just because YOUR cables are high in friction does not mean that ALL cables are that way and it's a defective design. Car manufacturers have been using cable systems since Barny Rubble was driving. Not the best system but they were required to have a mechanical backup.

I don't want this thread to give out the idea that there is something wrong with the 914 cable setup since it works fine for most people.

As for my cable system on my car, just ask others who have seen it.....It works great.

If you are satisfied that Porsche and other manufacturers are using a bad design you should build a better system....

[davesprinkle]

It cracks me up when people get on a forum and ask for help and then get pissy with those that are trying to help them.

I'm not saying that there is not more friction in a longer cable because of course there is. I'm saying that if you have two quality new cables in this application not working there is something wrong. Just because YOUR cables are high in friction does not mean that ALL cables are that way and it's a defective design. Car manufacturers have been using cable systems since Barny Rubble was driving. Not the best system but they were required to have a mechanical backup.

I don't want this thread to give out the idea that there is something wrong with the 914 cable setup since it works fine for most people.

As for my cable system on my car, just ask others who have seen it.....It works great.

If you are satisfied that Porsche and other manufacturers are using a bad design you should build a better system....

Paul, you need to read my original post. My post didn't request help; it offered guidance to others who might have the same problem. And if you'll read the responses, you'll see that at least three other 914 drivers have EXACTLY the same issue. I'm glad you're not one of them, but when you blindly extrapolate your success to every 914 on the road, then you do the community and others who might have this problem a disservice.

I don't need to build a better system. I've already solved the problem with the OE system. I lubricated the cable. Others should consider doing the same.

[Solo914]

Dave,
First off, Thanks, I know if you were able to explain this without the crux of the internet everyone would listen.

I am still fighting the problem that you originally had where the drivers side clamps first and then the passengers side. Right now my car could probably not be held on a hill from the ebrake alone. I really haven't worked on it since I originally adjusted everything, and I mean everything last winter. I did attempt to lubricate the cables with wurth penetrating oil and although it did get better it never fixed the problem. Its wierd because you can literally watch the friction of the passenger side cable put more tension on the yoke. Looks like I just need to bite the bullet and buy new cables and make sure to lubricate them first, then readjust everything.

kyle