How To Replace E Brake Cable

Is your emergency brake feeling a bit… lax? Does it fail to hold your vehicle securely on an incline? Replacing your E-brake cable, or parking brake cable, might be the solution. A functioning emergency brake is crucial for safety, both in emergencies and for routine parking, especially on hills. This article will guide you through the symptoms, causes, fixes, and considerations for replacing your E-brake cable.

Symptoms of a Faulty E-Brake Cable

Before you jump to replacing the cable, let's confirm that's indeed the problem. Here are the common signs indicating a failing or broken emergency brake cable:

Emergency brake pedal or lever goes all the way down/up with little to no resistance: This is a strong indicator that the cable is stretched, broken, or disconnected. You're essentially pulling on nothing.
E-brake doesn't hold the vehicle on an incline: The primary function of the E-brake is to keep your vehicle stationary, especially on hills. If it's not doing that, it's a major safety concern.
Rear brakes dragging: Sometimes, a seized or partially broken cable can cause the rear brakes to drag, even when the E-brake is disengaged. You might notice a burning smell, excessive heat from the rear wheels, or reduced fuel economy.
Visible damage to the cable: Inspect the cable itself. Look for fraying, kinking, rust, or any other signs of physical damage along its length. Pay particular attention to areas where the cable bends or is exposed to the elements.
E-brake light stays on, even when disengaged: While this could also indicate low brake fluid or other brake system issues, a faulty E-brake cable can sometimes trigger the warning light. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific information about the warning light.
Unusual noises when engaging or disengaging the E-brake: Snapping, popping, or grinding sounds can suggest a problem with the cable or its associated components.

Root Cause: Why E-Brake Cables Fail

E-brake cables are typically made of steel strands encased in a protective sheath. Over time, several factors can contribute to their failure:

Corrosion: Exposure to road salt, water, and other environmental elements can cause the steel strands to rust and weaken. This is a common problem, especially in areas with harsh winters.
Stretching: Repeated use and tension can cause the cable to stretch over time, reducing its effectiveness.
Kinking or Bending: Sharp bends or kinks in the cable can damage the internal strands and restrict movement, leading to breakage.
Seizing: Dirt, debris, and corrosion can build up inside the cable sheath, causing the cable to seize and become difficult to move. This can eventually lead to breakage.
Wear and Tear: Like any mechanical component, E-brake cables are subject to wear and tear from normal use.
Damage from impact: Road debris or accidents can physically damage the cable.

Essentially, the cable is a wear item. The steel cable inside the protective sheathing can stretch, fray, or break due to the constant tension, exposure to the elements, and mechanical stress.

What Happens If You Ignore a Faulty E-Brake Cable?

Ignoring a failing E-brake cable can have serious consequences:

Vehicle Rollaway: This is the most obvious and dangerous risk. Your vehicle could roll away unexpectedly, especially on hills, potentially causing damage, injury, or even death.
Brake System Damage: If the cable is causing the rear brakes to drag, it can lead to premature wear and damage to the brake pads, rotors, and calipers. This can result in costly repairs.
Reduced Fuel Economy: Dragging brakes increase resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
Safety Inspection Failure: In many jurisdictions, a properly functioning emergency brake is required to pass a vehicle safety inspection.
Increased Risk of Accidents: In an emergency situation, a functioning E-brake can be crucial for stopping the vehicle if the primary braking system fails. A faulty E-brake could significantly increase the risk of an accident.

In short, a functioning E-brake is a critical safety feature. Don't take the risk of driving with a faulty one.

Recommended Fixes: Replacing the E-Brake Cable

The most common and effective solution for a faulty E-brake cable is replacement. Here's a general overview of the process. It's recommended to consult a qualified mechanic if you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself.

Gather necessary tools and parts: You'll need a new E-brake cable (ensure it's the correct part for your vehicle's make, model, and year), wrenches, sockets, pliers, penetrating oil, jack stands, wheel chocks, and possibly a brake spring tool. A repair manual specific to your vehicle can also be very helpful.
Safety First: Chock the wheels, jack up the vehicle, and secure it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Loosen the E-brake cable adjuster: This is usually located under the vehicle or inside the cabin near the E-brake lever. Loosen the adjuster to release tension on the cable.
Disconnect the old cable: Disconnect the cable from the E-brake lever (inside the cabin) and the rear brake calipers or drums. You may need to use penetrating oil to loosen corroded connections. Pay close attention to the routing of the old cable, as you'll need to route the new cable the same way. Some connections may require specialized tools to disconnect.
Install the new cable: Route the new cable along the same path as the old one, connecting it to the E-brake lever and the rear brakes. Ensure the cable is properly secured in all clips and brackets.
Adjust the E-brake cable: Tighten the adjuster until the E-brake lever or pedal has the correct amount of travel, as specified in your vehicle's repair manual. The rear brakes should engage firmly when the E-brake is applied but not drag when it's disengaged.
Test the E-brake: With the vehicle safely supported, test the E-brake to ensure it holds the vehicle securely. Lower the vehicle and test the E-brake again on a slight incline.

Important Considerations:

Rust and Corrosion: Be prepared to deal with rusted or corroded bolts and fasteners. Penetrating oil is your friend!
Brake Spring Tool: If your vehicle uses drum brakes, you may need a special brake spring tool to remove and install the brake springs.
Proper Adjustment: Correct E-brake cable adjustment is crucial for optimal performance and brake life. Consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific adjustment instructions.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

The cost of replacing an E-brake cable can vary depending on the vehicle's make and model, the cost of the parts, and the labor rate of the mechanic. Here's a general estimate:

Parts (E-brake cable): $30 - $150 per cable (most vehicles have two rear cables)
Labor: $100 - $300 per cable
Total Cost: $130 - $450 per cable

DIY vs. Professional Repair:

Replacing an E-brake cable is a moderately difficult repair that requires some mechanical knowledge and experience. If you're comfortable working on your car and have the necessary tools, you can save money by doing it yourself. However, if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. A professional can ensure the repair is done correctly and safely.

Shop Advice:

Get multiple quotes: Call several different repair shops and get estimates for the job.
Ask about warranty: Make sure the repair shop offers a warranty on their work.
Check online reviews: Read online reviews of repair shops to get an idea of their reputation.

Credibility: TSBs, Community Data, and Common Failure Mileage

While specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are vehicle-specific, a search for your vehicle's make, model, and year along with "E-brake cable TSB" might reveal relevant information about known issues or recommended repair procedures from the manufacturer. Online forums and communities dedicated to your vehicle can also provide valuable insights into common problems and solutions shared by other owners.

Anecdotally, E-brake cable failure is often observed in vehicles that have accumulated 80,000 miles or more, especially in regions with harsh climates. However, the lifespan of an E-brake cable can vary greatly depending on usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions.

By understanding the symptoms, causes, and solutions outlined in this article, you can take proactive steps to ensure your vehicle's emergency brake system is functioning properly, keeping you and others safe on the road.