Topic: emergency brake
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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hi guys, i checked the shoes, also ajusted them out, and i was reading in a motor manual about ajusting the cable where it splits to the rear wheels so i tried to ajust it but still no brake when i pull up on the lever, the brake lever itself feels tight as you pull it up, got tired of fooling with it, any ideas i can try tommorow? oh i almost forgot it,s a 70 vette 4 speed 454 thanks!!! butch
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It is possible that the side-to-side cable is frozen so when the parking brake lever is pulled nothing happens, even though the parts in the drum are free to move. I tried soaking the cable in several different solvents/penetrants without any luck getting it to free up. Before installing the new cable I soaked it in oil so it would start out well lubricated.
Jim Olson 
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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Jim is on the right track...check that rear cable. They do "freeze" up all the time, since the park brake rarely gets used. Have someone pull on the p-brake handle while you watch, and see if either side is moving, or if only ONE side is moving.
Also, make sure the cable ends are attached properly to the trailing arms. I've seen them installed in the wrong position, and cause similar problems.
Also, make sure the cable ends are attached properly to the trailing arms. I've seen them installed in the wrong position, and cause similar problems.
Joel Adams
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thanks guys, i have the calipers off , when i grab the cable where it goes in to the brake shoes it seems free but it doesn,t push the shoes out.is there a place where i can see the brake shoe set up and the cable installation, where is the best place to get the cable and how diffacult is it to install? thanks again!!
If you have an A.I.M. (assembly instruction manual) for your car that has a good breakout of all the parts. I don't recall if the Chiltons or Haynes repair manuals details it out or not.
But your best bet is to get a new cable. Any of our supporting vendors will have them. Usually the hardest part of putting the new cable in is getting the old one out.
But your best bet is to get a new cable. Any of our supporting vendors will have them. Usually the hardest part of putting the new cable in is getting the old one out.
Jim Olson "The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave!
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Cramerton, NC - USA
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Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Butch, I recently installed a new rear cable on mine and got it from riks who is a forum sponsor. Its a new design that you dont have to use the "mickey mouse" clips on the cable and it was easy to install . Unfortunately I still have issues inside of the e-brake that I think will require replacement of the rear rotor to fix 
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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